Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat

Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat

4.41 of 5 stars 4.41  ·  rating details  ·  54 ratings  ·  23 reviews
An exuberant and beautifully produced book that juxtaposes the secret art of Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel--the most beloved children’s author and illustrator of all time) with his iconic children's art. This comprehensive look at the breadth of art that Theodor Geisel created over his lifetime is an eye-opening peek behind the public persona into the real story of the man who...more
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published November 13th 2012 by Andrews McMeel Publishing
more details... edit details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 215)
filter  |  sort: default (?)  |  rating details
Sam
Nov 01, 2012 Sam rated it 4 of 5 stars
Shelves: art

“I’m subversive as hell! I've always had a mistrust of adults.”
- Dr. Seuss


Book Description from Amazon: This comprehensive look at the breadth of art that Theodor Geisel created over his lifetime is an eye-opening peek behind the public persona into the real story of the man who was Dr. Seuss.

Illustrator by day, surrealist by night, Ted Geisel created a body of previously little-known work during his leisure hours that he called his “Midnight Paintings,” and which is now known as “The Secret Ar
...more
Sharon Tyler
Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat by Caroline M. Smith is a comprehensive look at the art Theodor Geisel created over his lifetime. This book is schedule for release on November 13 2012. It is an enthralling and informative look behind the public persona or Dr. Seuss and into the reality that was Theodor Geisel. He created a body of workwhich he called his "Midnight Paintings," and which is now known as "The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss." The collection redefines Ted Geisel beyond the children's book...more
Beatnik Mary
http://www.cozylittlebookjournal.com/...

A few years ago (okay, probably closer to a decade now) there was an installation of the artwork of Dr. Seuss at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, near where I live. It was close to Christmas time and--if I'm remembering it correctly--it was around the same time that Ron Howard's movie version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas was in theatres. The entire bottom floor of the museum was transformed into a sort of Whoville, with murals large and small on the wa...more
Paul
This gorgeous and instructive volume feels like a companion piece to the traveling exhibit of Seuss's art - I saw that, and with the stunning and spacious reproductions, this is a more paced way to engage the many, many pieces that span his career and lifetime, magazine-cover illustrations, product ads especially the Essomarine ads that included Secrets of the Deep and his creation of the Seuss Navy), his "Unorthodox Taxidermy" specimens, cartoons, children's books and "Midnight Paintings" that...more
EParkinson
Dr. Seuss once said, “If you don’t get imagination as a child, you probably never will.” These words are the perfect introduction to Dr. Seuss The Cat Behind the Hat, a semi-chronological look at the life, writing, and art of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. This book highlights early sketches and works by Geisel, along with biographical information broken down into chapters entitled “As Early As It Gets”, “Very Early”, “Pretty Early” and later “Later”, “A Little Later” and “Somewhat S...more
Fiona Dee
I thoroughly enjoyed this insight into such a great artist and author that was Dr Seuss. I remember as a young child not being able to afford any of his books and sneaking away from my friends at lunch time or trying to hurry to school before the bell to have a read of his books in our school library. I remember what a source of laughter and wonderment they brought. This book brought all those memories back. But also gave me a wider perspective on man behind the books, Ted Geisel and his other w...more
Robin
After reading a review, I really wanted to get my hands on this beautiful, informative yet coffee table size book. Seuss is not my favorite children's author but I am intrigued by his use of language and his work with the I can read titles. The Cat in the Hat has always intrigued me because of its significance for early readers. I always knew that Geisel was working with a controlled vocabulary but this book explains it in a slightly different way: "Not only was the vocabulary largely taken from...more
Sarah
I found this fascinating, learning not only more about Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, but about his lifetime of art and stories. This book goes through his varied work, from the time and impact of life at Dartmouth, to his progression to children's books. So much went into his drawings, including the war and politics of the day, or just plain silliness for silliness sake, but apparently always lots of time and thought. I loved the origin stories of the kids books, and details about color and how he...more
Sarah Sammis
My very first library memory involves Dr. Seuss. It's not the typical childhood memory of checking out Dr. Seuss picture books. This was in the days before our branch library opened the San Diego library ran a the book room with a small selection of books near a local grociery store. It was also a place where we could pick up books placed on hold. So we were there to check out The Lorax (I had a thing about the way the trees were drawn) — but that's not the point of the story.

Behind me was stand...more
Allison
Everyone loves Dr. Seuss, and I am no exception. When I had a chance to read The Cat Behind the Hat, which will be published November 13th, I was incredibly excited. This book, which the publishers describe as "chronological-ish," goes all the way back in Geisel's history, interspersing short blocks of texts with his beautiful illustrations. I know Dr. Seuss's kids books, but that's pretty much it; I didn't know much about him. For instance, Geisel got kicked off Dartmouth's humor magazine by sh...more
Stacie
I read Dr. Seuss: the cat behind the hat, in exchange for review from netgalley.com

The book was wrote by Caroline M. Smith and published by Chase Art Companies, LLC. The book discussed the paintings of Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. The artwork was beautiful, abstract, colorful, vibrant, whimsical, detailed, animated, etc. The artwork reminded me of Picasso and M.C. Escher (sp?). Smith also provided history of each painting, in addition to excerpts from Seuss's books to accompany paintings.
Gloria Keeler
Anyone who loves all of Dr. Seuss' books and treasures them, will also treasure this book. It is destined to be a collector's item for any Seuss lover. With that being said, the price tag is a little pricey and may only appeal to the die hard fans because of the hole this book will leave in your wallet.

Besides the large price tag, the illustrations are amazing and there are histories behind the Seuss that we know.

Thanks to netgelley and Chase Art Companies for the advance copy.
Janet Clark
If you've been a child, or a mother, sometime in the last 80 years Dr. Seuss has been a part of your life so don't miss this wonderful book. It shows his genius other than The Cat and Horton, etc. Beautiful paintings and other imaginative stories you've never heard about. Amazing!
JuJu
If you love Dr. Seuss, you will love this book. It does not weigh you down with text (in fact, considering the size of the book, the text is just a small fraction), but focuses more on the art of Dr. Seuss.
zxvasdf
A must read if you're a fan of the man. Most comprehensive book about Seuss to date, and brings to light a gorgeous collection of previously unreleased paintings which reveal a darker side.
Melinda
Amazing artwork, great quotes, well worth an afternoon of skimming. Signed up for the art of dr. seuss web site. Would love some of the pieces for my office, home, kids room...
Stephanie Stanley-coyne
I have enjoyed reading a few pages each night and learning more about Dr. Seuss. His private paintings are clever and colorful. I envy his imagination!
Samantha Breen
Reading this book taught me me more than any other art self-help book could. Would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
MiChAeLPaUl
May 12, 2013 MiChAeLPaUl marked it as fini
A comprehensive look at the extraordinary and imaginative art of “The Cat Behind the Hat”—Dr. Seuss.
Acorral
Very cute artwork the children's books were based on but I really enjoyed his political cartoons.
Paul  Hankins
An exploration of an artist's early works. This one is a lot of fun to look through. . .
Amanda
This book is absolutely beautiful!
The information was helpful in understand the motives & persona of Dr. Seuss. His art was breathtaking and stimulating.
In my opnion, anyone with interest in Dr. Seuss should read this book. It will not disappoint.
Jill Adams
Loved it. A great informational text for those who love Seuss. I wish the book wasn't so costly--$60. My library had 2 copies, though.
Andrea
May 15, 2013 Andrea marked it as to-read
Shelves: to-buy-borrow
Simon Yawin
May 12, 2013 Simon Yawin is currently reading it
Brandon Raycraft
Apr 18, 2013 Brandon Raycraft marked it as to-read
« previous 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 next »
There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Share This Book

Your website