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330th out of 2,283 books
—
3,580 voters
Hooray For Diffendoofer Day! (Dr Seuss)
Started by Dr. Seuss, finished by Jack Prelutsky, and illustrated by Lane Smith, "Hooray for Diffendoofer Day " is a joyous ode to individuality starring unsinkable teacher Miss Bonkers and the quirky Diffendoofer School (which must prove it has taught its students how to think--or have them sent to dreary Flobbertown). Included is an introduction by Dr. Seuss's longtime e...more
Paperback, 64 pages
Published
November 5th 2001
by HarperCollins
(first published April 20th 1998)
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Perhaps the best case for homeschooling ever (or at least not the drill and test-them approach so widely used in schools today). Terrific mix of new illustrations and Dr. Seuss classics. The rhymes are wacky and colorful. The storyline has a bit of suspense and silliness that resonates with people of all ages.
Although my son's a bit too old for Seuss books now, I'm thrilled we read this one to remind us why it's so important to learn more than the "what." It's vital to learn "how" and "why."
"Yo...more
Although my son's a bit too old for Seuss books now, I'm thrilled we read this one to remind us why it's so important to learn more than the "what." It's vital to learn "how" and "why."
"Yo...more
This book was real cute-it was different from other Dr. Seuss books, but that’s probably because it has different authors that added to it once he passed. It’s based on a school in Dinkerville; the teachers all have crazy names with interesting classes, such as Miss Bobble who teaches listening or Miss Wobble who teaches smelling. There are also lots of other people, such as the nurse, cooks or the gym teacher who hoists elephants up onto his shoulders. One day the principal came and told them t...more
I'm always wary of artistic works released after an artists death. There are reasons artists don't release everything they do, and to go against this wish smacks of gold-digging. But Random House has done a fantastic job with this work - which Dr. Seuss was obviously excited about, but never had time to finish. Jack Prelutsky and Lane Smith have taken some a few sketches and rhymes from Dr Seuss and turned them into a coherent story. Instead of a real Dr Seuss book I look at this more as a tribu...more
Genre: Other
Summary: A child who lives in Dinkerville, goes to a very different school where the teachers make the rules. Each teacher is unique and teaches different subjects/concepts. The principal is very sad all the time because he is worried if the students are learning what they need to know. One day the principal announces that the students must take a test and if they do not pass the school will be shut down. The students pass and the teachers celebrate their unique teaching styles decla...more
Summary: A child who lives in Dinkerville, goes to a very different school where the teachers make the rules. Each teacher is unique and teaches different subjects/concepts. The principal is very sad all the time because he is worried if the students are learning what they need to know. One day the principal announces that the students must take a test and if they do not pass the school will be shut down. The students pass and the teachers celebrate their unique teaching styles decla...more
Jun 23, 2008
Kristin Weller
added it
A teaching colleague recommended this book recently and I'm so glad she did! This book was a work in progress that Ted never got to finish, but thanks to the efforts of two artful gentlemen and Dr. Seuss's editor, this story was finished and brought to life post-mortem. If you are a teacher in today's test-based pressure cooker, you will appreciate Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!
An interesting posthumous book from Dr Seuss. Dr Seuss had the concept of this book and preliminary images done before his death, but the book was by no means complete. Dr Seuss's editor arranged for Jack Prelutsky and Lane Smith to complete it. And they've done a good job, and paid homage to Dr Seuss in both text and pictures. Diffendoofer school is different- the teachers teach listening, smelling, laughing and yelling. It's an odd reading experience reading a book that seems almost like Seuss...more
I absolutely LOVED this book! There was so much detail in all of the illustrations, words, and the whole book was put together so well. The collaboration of these three authors/illustrators was genius. I wrote an analysis of this book, and couldn't stop raving about how great I thought it was. This is by far my favorite Dr. Seuss story I've read so far. It was significantly longer in word count that the typical Seuss book, but it was well worth it. Most of the illustrations were rather quirky, c...more
“Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!” is one of the most unique books created by Dr. Seuss since the book was created after his death and since the book was partially written by Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by Lane Smith. “Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!” is definitely a great book for fans of Dr. Seuss’ books.
Dr. Seuss’ and Jack Prelutsky’s writing combined creates one hilarious and creative story about one of the most inventive and surreal schools in the world. Both Dr. Seuss and Jack Prelutsky get cr...more
Dr. Seuss’ and Jack Prelutsky’s writing combined creates one hilarious and creative story about one of the most inventive and surreal schools in the world. Both Dr. Seuss and Jack Prelutsky get cr...more
Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! This book was a great book for considering the collectivist idea of teaching/learning. If you teach the student the materials, they will know the content. It is an engaging, fun, and exciting book to read to your students to get them excited about school. Show them that school isn't just an old boring place where learning is a chore. They learn to appreciate school for what it is, nutrition for knowledge! I love this book and a fun activity to do with the students af...more
This is a fantastic book! I like it 10 times more once I read the informational part about how it is based on the original drawings and verses from Dr. Seuss. This was the book he was working on before he passed away. It is really neat to look at his original work and then see how Prelutsky and Smith transformed it. This would be an awesome book for a lesson to teach children about the writing/illustration process. Besides the other numerous ways it can be used in the classroom, this is a great...more
OMG...Remember how Mr. Cox would always read this book to us??? :'] good times...
1 like · like · see review
Jun 04, 2012
Natalie Pietro
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
nicos-bookshelf,
dr-seuss
When I first read this book I couldn't understand Dr Seuss writing such a backward book until I got to the end of it. Looks like this lost book started from the brain of Dr Seuss but was completed by Jack Prelutsky. I understand now that the artwork, most of the story, and words didn't fit with Dr Seuss mojo. Realizing what Dr Seuss wrote and drew before this book was published, creating wacky Mrs Bonkers makes this book even more special. Plus adding hidden Dr Seuss artwork through out the book...more
Author and illustrator duo Jack Prelutsky and Lane Smith pick up where Seuss left off on one of his unfinished books about a schoolteacher. The result is a stunning melding of three artistic voices and a beautiful homage to Seuss that retains his customary style with Prelutsky and Smith's own flavor still in the mix. Perhaps of most intrigue are the illustrations that collage Seuss' recognizable characters and illustrations with even more vibrant and contemporary renderings—a tribute surely to S...more
Yay teachers! This book is all about wonderful teachers in a one-of-a-kind school. The kids must pass a standardized test in order to save their beloved school and the threat of having to go to Flobbertown is just the motivation they need to succeed.
I really liked reading how the book was made possible. Seuss' editor, Janet Schulman, recounts how she struggled to finish this book and how she brought in two of the top talents in children's literature to help complete Seuss' vision. Original sketc...more
I really liked reading how the book was made possible. Seuss' editor, Janet Schulman, recounts how she struggled to finish this book and how she brought in two of the top talents in children's literature to help complete Seuss' vision. Original sketc...more
When I was in second grade I was introduced to my now favorite Children’s book, Hooray for Diffendoofer Day by Dr. Seuss. This book is a great story but also has the same qualities of all Dr. Seuss’s books. The characters are unusual, the names are outrageous and he drastically describes the differences between opposites. For example, when talking about the school they don’t want to turn into, Dr. Seuss describes it as “dreary Flobbertown”. In the book, the main character is never named, it is t...more
I was watching an interview with Lane Smith recently, and he happened to mention this book—which as a Dr. Seuss fan really caught my attention. I can't believe I never heard of this before! After Dr. Seuss passed away his editor approached Jack Prelutsky and Smith with the idea of completing an unfinished Seuss manuscript. The result is interesting, but for me, the highlight of this book is the inclusion of the rough pages Seuss left behind that give some insight into his working process. Worth...more
Aug 01, 2009
Dolly
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
parents reading with their children
This was a terrific collaboration, with Jack Prelutsky and Lane Smith blending some of Dr. Seuss' notes and sketches with their own quirky rhymes and pictures to make a classic tale about the wonders of wonderful teachers, ones who are different and make you think. Our girls love the Magic School Bus stories with Ms. Frizzle and I think she'd fit in great in this school. Great story by the editor at the end about how the book came together, featuring more sketches and notes "Ted" made while pond...more
I read this book to my first grade students, it wasn’t their first time hearing it, but they were in so intrigued by the story. Teachers should spend time helping students feel comfortable taking standardized tests, rather than forcing stress upon them by cramming the week before. This book shows students that they have the knowledge to succeed on a test. I would use this book with all grade levels because mandated test occur through to the college level, and listening to someone read a book rel...more
Dr. Suess began a tale about a "different" sort of teacher, but he died before he finished it. So, his editor had it finished for him. If it had remained a silly tale about a silly teacher, I might have read it several times. Instead, those who finished it turned it into a didactic polemic against traditional education, where the enemy is conformity and order.
While I'm certainly no proponent of the No Child Left Behind Act, I am skeptical that children who have spent their days in school yellin...more
While I'm certainly no proponent of the No Child Left Behind Act, I am skeptical that children who have spent their days in school yellin...more
Two authors took Dr. Suess's material and put it together to publish after his death. One of favorites. Read it right before a stressful test. Mrs. Bonkers, who does cartwheels in the classrooom (sound familiar?) says, "Don't fret! You've learned the things you need and more. I'm certain you'll succeed. We've taught you that the earth is round, that red and white make pink. And something else that matters more - WE'VE TAUGHT YOU HOW TO THINK!" I have to admit, I get choked up on that last line:)
Who doesn't like Dr. Suess? I know I like him, and this is one of my favorites. In this easy and fast paced book, we learn all about Diffendoofer School. This school has some pretty off the wall teachers, but they sound amazing. One day, the school has to take a special test and if they do not pass, the school will be torn down (AYP, anyone?). It that happens, the students will have to go to school in a deary town called Flobbertown. Never fear, Diffendoofer passes the test and everyone is happy...more
A wonderful book to read to all ages of students preparing for testing time! This book shows how teachers have confdence in their students because they know they have taught the students well. Never be afraid to have fun while you are teaching! The teacher did in this book, and her students scored a 10000000% on their test scores! The book also offers a a 'how this book came to be' at the very end. A great way to show students how books start out, and what they can become!
PB32: When I was a child I was obsessed with Dr. Seuss. This book is obviously not entirely made by him, because he sadly died before he could finish it, but I am happy that Jack and Lane finished the book because it was a last memory of Dr. Seuss. It is a very cute book and even though the illustrations are not quite like Dr. Seuss' I still enjoyed the book. As are all Dr. Seuss books it send s message of individuality, which should be important to every child.
This is really more of a Jack Perlutsky book, illustrated by Lane Smith inspired by an unfinished Dr. Seuss rough draft.
I think if it was Dr. Seuss it would be tighter.
Story was fun, but not great.
The "How This Book Came to Be" section was quite interesting, and included Dr. Seuss's sketches for the book. Definitely worth the rental from the library.
I think if you are a Dr. Seuss fan, get this only to have the complete works.
I think if it was Dr. Seuss it would be tighter.
Story was fun, but not great.
The "How This Book Came to Be" section was quite interesting, and included Dr. Seuss's sketches for the book. Definitely worth the rental from the library.
I think if you are a Dr. Seuss fan, get this only to have the complete works.
This was a read aloud buy a second grade librarian on Read Across America day in honor of Dr. Seuss. What a lovely way to get children interested in his books. I was pleasantly surprised how much they enjoyed all of the illustrations at the end of the book and discussion about how Prelutsky and Lane Smith were able to use Dr. Seuss illustrations and notes to complete his story.
This book is about a school who will be taking a big test soon. If they do not perform well, the students will be sent to dreary Flobbertown. Currently, they have fun teachers, great custodians, a wonderful librarian, and coaches. Mr. Lowe, the principal is worried about the test. How will the student do? Read and find out. This is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books.
This book is great! Teachers should all be as goofy and spontanious as the teachers in the book. A lot of teachers, especially older ones, seem to continue teaching so they can get money but it brings children down. Energetic teachers are always the ones the children remember. They are the ones that stick out in their minds because they make an impact on the student's life. I also like how the back of the book tells how this book came about.
I have NO idea what took me so long to discover this book!?! What an interesting story behind the story...true collaboration even after Dr. Seuss was no longer with us...the story itself is charming and meaningful to me personally as it is about a quirky teacher and how she refuses to test-prep the kids to death. Creativity and fun reign supreme in her classroom! YAY!
Feb 23, 2013
Melissa Housholder
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mamas-library,
school,
contemporary-fiction,
decisions,
enjoyment,
fiction,
fantasy,
friendship,
fun,
imagination,
humor,
picture-book,
rhyming,
young-children
I love this book. A book about a school that is all about creative thinking. I also love that Dr. Seuss was working on this book about Miss Bonkers, but was afraid school teachers wouldn't like it. It took the work of his editor, a poet and a children's book illustrator to make this book happen after Dr. Seuss passed away before finishing it. Truly wonderful book.
Like the children in this story, I find I have a command of what some people might call 'thoroughly useless information' (see Calvin), but not so much in the way of useful skills. I live in hope that one day my talents for absorbing the names of fictional characters and rejecting the square root of pi (or whatever) will be put to good use. :D
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Jack Prelutsky is an American poet. He attended New York public schools, and later the High School of Music and Art and Hunter College. Prelutsky, who has also worked as a busboy, furniture mover, folk singer, and cab driver, claims that he hated poetry in grade school because of the way it was taught. He is the author of more than 30 poetry collections including Nightmares: Poems to Trouble Your...more
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Jun 29, 2008 06:40pm