Award-winning author Kathleen Krull zeros in on the formative first 22 years of the life of Ted Geisel. This is the first picture book biography of Dr. Seuss, written especially for his young fans who want to know what made him tick. The animals in the zoo that his father ran and his fondness for drawing them, the injustices he suffered as the child of German immigrants, and his inherent sense of humor all fed into the imagination of this boy. He was a square peg in a round hole until he found that he could make a living doing exactly what he pleased—doodling and writing funny things about the world as he saw it.
The last section of the book outlines the important events in his adult life. In addition to the evocative paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, the book is profusely decorated with art from Dr. Seuss books.
4 ½ stars, ½ star off because of my personal vegan sensibilities about how animals should be treated. However, this is a beautiful book and it’s very well done, and I’m so delighted that this book exists, I have to give it a full 5 stars. (I initially gave it 4.)
Seuss’s books were among the first books I was able to read on my own, and I own several of his books, including some of the ones published most recently. I knew very little about the man though. I learned a lot about him from reading this book.
Unlike when I was first reading Dr. Seuss books over 50 years ago, there are so many fabulous children’s picture book biographies and other non-fiction picture books available for children. I’m so glad this book was written/illustrated because this man definitely deserves a picture book biography. This is a worthy one.
I love the paintings by the two illustrators and appreciate that there is a third contributor. Decorative illustrations are included that were created by Dr. Seuss.
I got a kick of how it’s reiterated how as a boy and young man he excelled at “fooling around” and also about how he came to use the name Dr. Seuss.
This biography has a lot of humor, but the boy/man himself went through things that weren’t so funny, including bullying and people who didn’t believe in him, for instance. He had many hurdles to overcome, and it’s heartening to see how he did that, and in his own way.
I appreciated the extra material in the back, which is particularly good for older kids (and adults too.) It’s accompanied by additional decorative illustrations by Seuss and a photo of him as an elderly man. There is a timeline that shows both Geisel’s life and the publication of his books, and goes from his birth until his death. There is a full list of books written & illustrated by Dr. Seuss. When I saw the last few books on the list of his books I felt so grateful that he lived and worked until the age he did. The world is richer for these books and all his books; I think some of his better books came later in his career.
This is a wonderful book for all fans of Dr. Seuss books, for any kids who feel as though they don’t fit in, for people of all ages who appreciate thinking and acting for themselves and who don’t take “authority” too seriously, and as part of lessons on bullying, For kids who have a passion not supported by others, reading about Ted might help give them courage to pursue what they love doing.
I’m not surprised to learn that every single one of the books he wrote & illustrated is still in print.
Excellent picture book biography of Ted Geisel (Dr Seuss). Lovely half-page illustrations depict important moments in his life, while on the other page tiny illustrations by Seuss himself appear below the story to mirror them. The story itself provides just enough information on Geisel's childhood and youth to show how he became "Dr Seuss" (this is probably what appeals most to children) while more more detailed back matter explains the rest of his career. Highly recommended to any fan of Dr. Seuss or to children who may feel like the odd one out and need a bit of encouragement.
The cover of The Boy on Fairfield Street states that it is the story of how Ted Geisel grew up to become Dr. Seuss. But that text may be missed by the very audience the book is intended for. For a writer whose illustrations are such a standout part of children's literature history the cover, and interior illustrations, of the book are a bit of a disappointment. There is nothing of Seuss’ colorful style to help bring the story of his life alive. This was perhaps a conscious decision by the publisher to separate the man from his work. This complaint is the only one you will find with this book. The story of Ted Geisel's life is an engaging one. Children (and adults) who read about his struggles with being different, his disappointments and rejections and his ultimate rise to greatness will find something to identify with and hope for. If the person that grew up to be as famous and as well loved as Dr. Seuss overcame these hardships, they certainly could. There are more lessons the Doc can teach us, they are all about perseverance and following dreams.
Intriguing read about the boy on Fairfield Street better known as Dr. Suess. It details his life that was filled with many surprising events (especially since I knew little about the author and illustrator before reading this). I was simple and easy read that could be read by a wide range of readers young and old. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Dr. Suess books as it does a wonderful job of telling his story through text and illustrations.
Title: The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Suess by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Eancher (and illustrations by Dr. Suess).
Bibliography: Krull, Kathleen. (2004). The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Suess. New York, New York.: Dragonfly Books.
Annotation: This book tells the story of Ted Geisel, a boy who grew up on Fairfield Street. As a boy, he loved animals and he loved to draw, however his mother really wanted him to become a doctor. Ted did grow up to be a doctor, just not the kind his parents’ imagined, he grew up to be Dr. Suess the famous children’s author and illustrator! Events of Ted Geisel’s life are highlighted in this book, from his explorations to the zoo, his embarrassment in from of Theodore Roosevelt, his college years, meeting his future wife, to the beginning of his writing and illustrating career. This book tells the story of the man who went on to publish over sixty books throughout his career.
Genre: Biography
Grade Level: 4.2
Readers who will like this book: Readers who enjoy biographies or who are just big Dr. Suess fans will love this book! People who have experienced struggles with achieving their dreams or faced adversity will also connect well to this story.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this book four out of five stars. It was a charming book that told a story that I was not familiar with, despite being an avid Dr. Suess reader! I really enjoyed learning about experiences Ted Geisel experienced that influenced his later books. I found it particularly interesting that Ted Geisel was discriminated against for being German prior to World War One. Many of his books show themes of discrimination and I wonder if that is where the influence came from. I really loved the story-telling displayed in the book and the wonderful paintings that accompanied the writing.
Text-Dependent Question: What did Ted’s future wife tell him that helped him decide he wanted to be an illustrator/writer? Why was this such an ah-ha moment?
The Boy on Fairfield Street is an awe-inspiring biography of how Ted Geisel became to be known as Dr. Seuss. Throughout the book, you learn of the many adventures and risks Ted took to become one of the most famous children’s authors of all time. He held many jobs before writing children’s stories, such as writing for his college’s magazine, writing and illustrating political cartoons for newspapers, and producing political ads during the war. His life is an example of how even the smallest instances can change your life forever. In fact his first book, And to Think that I Saw it on Mulberry Street was rejected 27 times. It wasn’t until he was walking down the street one day that he ran into an old colleague who took a chance on him and published his book. As an obsessed Dr. Seuss fan, I would definitely read this book to my first graders, however I think it would be an appropriate read aloud to all elementary grade levels. I would use this during an author study as a creative way to learn about Ted Geisel’s life. This book would also be a great gateway into reading additional Dr. Seuss’ books and for older grades, learning about the symbolism and deeper meaning hidden behind some of his books. The Boy on Fairfield Street stood out as a WOW book not only because of my love for Dr. Seuss, but also because of the role model he has become. He encompassed a lot of courage and perseverance throughout his life and inspires young and old to reach for their dreams. This is a must read for all ages!
In the few short pages of this wonderful children's biography of the author known as Dr. Seuss, I learned more about the man behind the magic then I have ever known!
Not only does Ms. Krull do an excellent job of chronicling the author's early life, but she does so in an inspirational way. The message is clear that one need not submit to authority or play by the rules to become a great success. Imagination and the conviction to follow ones dreams is as powerful a tool as any. A message that is illustrated beautifully by the nonconformist life of everyone's favorite Doctor!
A necessary read for children and adults of all ages.
A great picture story biography about Dr. Seuss. I read it to my 5th grade class every year. The book helps you understand why Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel created the types of stories and characters that he did. One of my favorite aspects of the book is that each two-page spread has an illustration by Dr Seuss from one of his books that matches what the story is telling us about him.
Very well done. Covers a lot of interesting, inspiring, and provocative ideas. If you're fan of children's literature or of cartoons, even if you're not a fan of Geisel, I do recommend this. Includes back matter.
The biography written by Krull is of the famous author, Ted Geisel. Better known by the name of Dr. Seuss. Ted Geisel (1904 -1991), author of more than 60 children’s books, mostly published in his pseudonym Dr. Seuss (though also published of the name Theo LeSieg and one as Rosetta Stone). His career is highly decorated in achievement awards for his contribution toward his works.
Krull helps her readers know Ted Geisel by telling us a story; beginning with, “Once upon a time (p. 7). She makes it relatable to children by starting out his life story as a little boy just like them. She describes the things that he liked and disliked. She also describes the street and the town that he grew up in. As an avid Dr. Seuss reader, I quickly began to see where his stories came from, his own back yard. She also let us know important details about his family; his father, ran the zoo (Little Ted spent a lot of time there).
Krull uses illustrations from Dr. Seuss’ books and her research to produce this authentic biography to her readers. She includes multiple perspectives on his actions growing up; presenting him as a man with both strengths and weaknesses. She uses a few devices to make her writing lively; interior monologue, indirect discourse, and inference. The depth of coverage is at an appropriate level for children. There is enough information about his life that will give readers of all ages a background of the man they know and love as Dr. Seuss.
This book rates five out of five. I grew up reading Dr. Seuss to myself and then raised my children reading Dr. Seuss. I use Dr. Seuss in lesson plans and intend to use them in my upper elementary school classroom! (Because I can read Dr. Seuss here or there, I guess you can say I can read him anywhere!)
The three ways that I may use this book in the elementary classroom are as follows: Guided Reading, Pre-Reading Plan, and QAR.
Guided Reading – Each day before reading describe the information that they are reading and assist the students to discuss the information that they know. Give them questions to assist them in their reading passage (like when you read this chapter, what Dr. Seuss books does this bring to mind?).
Pre-Reading Plan- Build anticipation for this reading experience, by discussing what we know of Ted Geisel. Introducing his books that they know and ones that they may not heard of. Having students in a group discussion share their favorite books and quotes from Dr. Seuss.
QAR – Ask literal questions students can pull from their reading, use questions that will allow students to pull in text from several areas of the book and think about the context and meaning of the book, further thinking by asking questions based on the book and what the student believes, and ask students their personal ideas on the themes of the book.
I read this book as a part of my #BookaDay Reading Challenge, inspired by Donalyn Miller. My goal is to read at least one children's literature book every weekday and share my thoughts here on my blog. Please feel free to subscribe or connect with me on social media to follow my journey through the books I read. Until next time ...
A biography of Ted Geisel before he became Dr. Seuss, this story paints a brief picture of his life growing up. Ted Geisel loved books and animals, growing up close to both the library and the zoo. His father wound up running the zoo and these animals and their stories around the table solidified his love of animals too. The Geisels were German immigrants and spoke both German and English. Ted felt like the outsider in his neighborhood. His family business was a brewery and people frowned upon drinking, as well. Ted lacked the muscle of boys his age. Instead, he preferred to draw, although no one realized his intense liking. Ted Geisel was quite the artist, but his art was different. The only art class he ever took in high school was one he quit when the teacher told him he would never be successful in art. He drew odd animals, or plants that looked like animals. World War I started when Ted was thirteen. He was a true patriot, selling Liberty Bonds for his cub scouts. As one of the highest sellers, he was offered a medal, but a mix-up with numbers caused him to be embarrassed on stage. He avoided public appearances after that. Ted eventually made it to school and wrote for the college humor magazine. His classmates voted him least likely to succeed, after his tendencies to be silly and party too much. After college, Ted sent his drawings to all the magazines and newspapers in New York. The Post eventually bought a comic for twenty-five dollars. This sparked more interest in his work and Geisel eventually moved to New York. There he set up a studio in a small apartment and the rest is history.
I liked reading the history of a beloved author and illustrator. I hadn't known that Dr. Seuss was a party animal, it makes him seem more normal and down to Earth. I can also realize where his love of animals came from with his zoo background growing up. A very nicely illustrated book too with muted pictures and easy text.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Long captivated by Ted Geisel's stories and illustrations, I didn't know much about his background until I read this biography. I learned in Geisel's early years, he suffered teasing by his classmates as the child of German immigrants, and his only art teacher criticized his work and said he would never be successful. He quit the class. Krull also writes about his public humiliation during World War I when he expected to receive a medal from ex-president Teddy Roosevelt for being one of the top ten Boy Scouts selling Liberty Bonds during World War I---but onstage during the ceremony, they ran out of medals and Roosevelt asked what Geisel was doing there. Geisel avoided being in public afterwards. In the back matter, Krull focuses on important events in his adult life. Her writing and organization accompanied by Geisel's artwork and realistic paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher make this 48 pp. picture book an excellent choice for third to fifth graders, and for those of us who love Geisel's imaginative stories and art!
This book shares an insight into Theodore Geisel’s early life and his love for books, doodling and fascination for animals at the zoo. Theodore Geisel grew up to be known as Dr. Seuss; a familiar author we know and love. The author does a great job incorporating little-known facts about Theodore Geisel throughout the book, and there is new information to learn with each flip of the page. The author also includes personal information, such as the fact that Geisel was voted “Class Artist and Class Wit”, which I thought was fun and engaging! The illustrations in the book provide many new perspectives, and although they are not real photographs, each picture offers a new mood. I think this is a great book to gain fast facts and information about the one and only Dr. Seuss. I highly recommend this book because it does not feel like facts are being thrust upon the reader, but more like the reader gains knowledge by engaging in this biography.
This book is a good nonfiction book for children because it is all about Dr. Suess and his life. Students probably recognize this author since he is popular and will want to learn more about him. This book can help students to also learn about how he went through many hardships as a child. but was able to overcome them which can be inspiring and inspirational to children. Age level: 4-8 Lexile level: AD950L
This is a nice biography about Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss). The illustrations are lovely and the information is fun. It was, however, a bit too much for first grade (which is what I was hoping to use it for). I ended up using select pieces, as Geisel's college experience isn't very relevant to 6 year-olds. Overall, a good picture biography for third grade or above.
Great to read the story of how Dr. Seuss got his start and find that he was called a failure so many times as a boy and young man. It took words of encouragement and positive reinforcement to enable him to try to make a living at something he loved and was so unbelievably talented at.
Another great one from Kathleen Krull. My kids enjoyed learning about Dr. Seuss as a young boy growing up. It was interesting also to see where so many of his great ideas came from and to learn how he went after his passion for drawing to become the most beloved children's author of all time.
This is a fabulous picture book biography of Ted Geisel who became known as Dr. Seuss. It covers highlights of his life from his boyhood to his death at age 87, including his struggle to success as a writer and illustrator. Very interesting.
Excellent book about Dr. Seuss’ growing up years and struggle for success, justice, and acceptance. It’s amazing to me how many of the greats have similar struggles growing up that you’d never guess by how successful we see them to be today.
What is amazing biography of an amazing man I grew up reading sam-i-am because of my name and now my boys read all of their books. My youngest son's favorite is the Grinch who stole Christmas and my oldest son's favorite is Hop on Pop.
Story about Dr. Seuss childhood, but it stops abruptly when he moves to NYC to try his luck. I think it should have at least gone until he was first published. Did give good info on how he came up with his name.
Amazing book, I love ready these books about Dr. Seuss. Each one has deferent bits of information from the previous. This is the best one so far. Really enjoyed it. Great illustrations and in depth details of his history
Genre: Biography Age Range: Middle Grade This biography about Dr. Seuss is fun and something I didn't really know about. I think it is done in a way that keeps students entertained throughout the whole book. I also liked how they put the words on one side and the illustrations on the other.
An approachable picture book biography of one of the best known authors for children. The illustrations are not anything in the same wheelhouse as Dr. Seuss which I am guessing was intentional to separate.
How fun to get to know Theodore Giesel before he became Dr. Seuss. We followed this up with the book Imagine That! How Dr. Seuss Wrote The Cat in the Hat and it was the perfect pairing. The books also inspired a renewed and vigorous interest in our large collection of his books.