Friday 7 May 2021

You're Only Old Once! - Dr. Seuss - A Book for Obsolete Children

You're Only Old Once!
A Book for Obsolete Children
Random House Books for Young Readers
1986
ISBN 9780394551906
eISBN 9780385379502
ASIN B00ESF2AH4


Recently because of some media spotlight on Dr. Seuss and his works. I decided to reread the 6 books in question and two others. But alas only had 5 of the 6 on hand. This is the eighth of the reviews, the 6 in question and 2 of my favorites. And am now expanding and reading and reviewing some of his others. 

Dr. Seuss is famous for his many children’s books. Books that spark the imagination. Surprise, and amaze. There is a large collection of old animated shorts based on them. And these has been several movies both animated and life action. He also wrote two books that though written and illustrated in a similar style and format are considered adult books they are The Seven Lady Godivas and contrary to my original belief You're Only Old Once! not The Butter Battle Book. Butter Battle is a commentary on war and is often found in the children’s sections in bookstores and libraries, and sometimes in the adult section. Godivas I believe is long out of print, I believe the last printing was in 1988. And I am only aware of it because it is the favorite book of a friend.  

I do not know a child who has not engaged with these books on some level. And I know many adults that still have a favorite or 2 from the collection of his works. My youngest and my wife have a few of them memorized. And recite them to each other before bed, as much as read. My children loved the old, animated shorts, and like most of the movies. I was less fond of the live action movies but appreciate most of the animated ones. But back to this book.

As someone in their 50’s I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It follows a man as he goes to the doctors and is referred over and over again to others. It is a ridiculous book. But one that does capture something a few of us have experienced or likely will. 

The book ends with:

     “Is this a children’s book?
     Well … not immediately.
     You Buy a copy for your child now
     and you give it to him on his 70th birthday.

This is a fun read. I greatly enjoyed it. But it is not for kids. Unless it is for your adult children about what you are going through. Great to give to your parents or for parents to give to their adult children. When reading pay close attention to the direction signs and labels.




Note: I recently heard that 6 of the books by Dr. Seuss were being taken out of print. The 6 are: And to Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street, If I Ran the Zoo, McElligot's Pool, On Beyond Zebra!, Scrambled Eggs Super!, The Cat's Quizzer. We had 5 of the 6 in our collection so I gave them a reread. The 6th The Cat's Quizzer I can only find used in Canada, the lowest price is $992. 

Books by Dr. Seuss:











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