Will I love Horton Hears a Who!?

The classic story of an elephant who discovers a tiny creature and deposits it on a clover where an entire town of creatures live. Despite ridicule, Horton defends his new friends.

I think this is an important topic of discussion with kids–how to continue being kind to some while others are ridiculing you for it. I love the imaginative drawings and the heartfelt message of this book. 

I know. Practically everyone in the world has already read this famous book, but that doesn’t dilute its message. Of course, I love the read-aloud rhyme of Dr. Seuss, but this book is so much more. When great-big Horton stands up for the tiniest of creatures, I think it shows what a difference it makes to care. “A person’s a person…no matter how small.” Right?

Of all the Dr. Seuss books, Horton hit me hard.

It’s not just the rhyme or the time or the tale. It’s not the Who ocean on which Horton sails… Seriously though, it is the title that shines even among the genius of other Suess titles. Horton was my biggest influence in becoming a children’s author, and it helped me to find my own rhyming voice.

To tell a powerful story in rhyme is far more difficult than writers and readers may think, and this book goes deep—a rich example of Dr. Seuss’ brilliance and rhyming excellence in storytelling.