Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel, 1904–1991) Research Paper

BACKGROUND

Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss and one of the best-loved authors and illustrators of childrens’ books died in 1991. His work continues to be tremendously popular among all ages. His works can be understood on many levels with themes including self-confidence, discrimination, and responsibility.

BROWSE FOR BOOKS ON THE SHELF USING THESE CALL NUMBERS

Biography section under Seuss, Dr.

LOOK UNDER THE FOLLOWING SUBJECT IN THE CATALOG (CARD OR COMPUTER)

Seuss, Dr.

REFERENCE MATERIALS THAT MAY HELP (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

Estes, Glenn E., ed. Dictionary of Literary Biography, Vol. 61, 1987.

Lystad, Mary H. From Dr. Mather to Dr. Seuss, 1980.

Moritz, Charles, ed. Current Biography Yearbook, 1968.

Smith, James Steel. A Critical Approach to Children’s Literature, 1967.

Sutherland, Zena. Children and Books, 1986.

Telgen, Diane, ed. Something about the Author, Vol. 75, 1994. (and other vols.)

PERIODICAL INDEXES TO SEARCH (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

Biography Index

EBSCO Magazine Article Summaries

InfoTrac

Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature

WILSONDISC

ONLINE DATABASES TO SEARCH

America Online

CompuServe

Dialog

Internet

Prodigy
KEY WORDS AND DESCRIPTORS FOR PERIODICAL INDEX AND ONLINE SEARCHES

Geisel, Theodor

Seuss, Dr.

VIDEOTAPES ON THIS TOPIC

Many works by Dr. Seuss have been made into movies and are available on videotape.

FICTION BOOKS RELATING TO TOPIC

Fiction section under Seuss, Dr.

Most works by Seuss will be found in the children’s section of the library.

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611.

Children’s Literature Association, P.O. Box 138, Battle Creek, MI 49016.

SUGGESTIONS FOR NARROWING THIS TOPIC

Choose one of the following literary techniques to analyze in works by Seuss: rhythm and rhyme, satire, symbolism.

Discuss how Seuss used his writing to comment on social issues.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! spent many weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers List. Discuss possible reasons for this.

SUGGESTIONS FOR RELATED TOPICS

Choose your favorite author of children’s books to write about; e.g., Chris Van Allsburg, E. B. White.

Fairy tales

Use of symbolism in children’s literature

This RESEARCH TOPIC GUIDE is intended to help the library user find information and materials on a particular topic in many sources throughout the library. Resources on this topic are not limited to those described and availability will depend upon the individual library. Feel free to ask a librarian for assistance.