Book Review: The Cat in the Hat

One of the most influential and subversive books of all time is 1957's The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. Influential? Absolutely. Can you name another book read by almost all children during their formative years? The Cat in the Hat has certainly been ingrained in your mind, right? It's been the foundation of learning to read for millions of people. Subversive? Of course. In the guise of teaching 236 important words to youngsters in an entertaining way, it also glamorizes a main character who behaves extremely bad. The cat convinces impressionable children to participate in destroying their parents' possessions. He acts horridly. But the top cat is also portrayed as an admirable being. Didn't we look up to him when we were young? Didn't we want to be like him? Weren't we goaded to break rules because it looked fun? How many children became delinquents because of the cat? And how many parents enjoy reading this joyous tale to their children? It's a perennial bestseller. Thankfully, the cat takes responsibility for his actions, offering the lessons of cleaning up and making things better . . . though not admitting fault. Maybe that's a lesson in how to lie. Still, The Cat in the Hat broke all the rules in boring see-Jack-run books. Glorious!

>>> READ THE OPENING PAGES OF THE CAT IN THE HAT HERE.