THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SEUSS by Kathleen Krull

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SEUSS. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 0375922989

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Great writers and illustrators are not simply born that way. For many, it takes many years of hard work, determination and soul searching to become successful. This was the life experienced by Ted Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. He grew up being enchanted by the animals at his father’s zoo, the nature in Forest Park, and happenings of his neighbors and friends. Like many, Geisel was being pushed towards a practical career while his artwork and wordplay were seen as foolish. Upon the encouragement of a classmate that he later married, Geisel dropped out of his graduate program in Oxford to pursue his passion. He became a success, albeit not overnight, and only with long hours and hard work. Though he passed away in 1991, all of his work is still in print.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The structure of this book is very unique. It starts out with a factual narrative of Ted Geisel’s life. Text is on the left page and a full-page illustration is on the right. The colors used in the illustrations done by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher are reminiscent of aged photographs. They are soft, yet full of warm tones, giving the reader a sense of comfort and warmth. The text is large and one of Geisel’s characters appears at the bottom.

The second half of the book is an informative biography. Here we only see Geisel’s illustrations lining the pages of smaller text. At the end, a picture of Geisel appears. The information in this section reads less like a narrative, but is still interesting for readers that are a little older.

This book is very readable and encourages students to strive for their dreams. Children can relate to the plight of Ted Geisel and could see themselves in his actions and beliefs. It does not make the real world seem like a fantasy where success magically falls in the laps of those who want it. Instead, it exemplifies that his success was due to his hard work and dedication.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST REVIEW: “Krull's pithy text is extended by full-page paintings that glow with the memory of yesteryear and capture the mix of humor and poignancy that comes with trying to fit in.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Invite children to write what they like doing most and what dreams they have for their future.
*Other biographies on Dr. Seuss.
Kudlinski, Kathleen. DR SEUSS: YOUNG AUTHOR AND ARTIST (CHILDHOOD OF FAMOUS AMERICANS). ISBN 0689873476
Cohen, Charles D. THE SEUSS, THE WHOLE SEUSS AND NOTHING BUT THE SEUSS: A VISUAL. ISBN 0375822488
Nel, Philip. THE ANNOTATED CAT: UNDER THE HAT OF SEUSS AND HIS CATS. ISBN 0375833692