The Lorax

When Dr. Seuss gets serious, you know it must be important. Published in 1971, and perhaps inspired by the "save our planet" mindset of the 1960s, The Lorax is an ecological warning that still rings true today amid the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and disregard for the Earth's environment. In The Lorax, we find what we've come to expect from the illustrious doctor: brilliantly whimsical rhymes, delightfully original creatures, and weirdly undulating illustrations. But here there is also something more--a powerful message that Seuss implores both adults and children to heed.

The now remorseful Once-ler--our faceless, bodiless narrator--tells the story himself. Long ago this enterprising villain chances upon a place filled with wondrous Truffula Trees, Swomee-Swans, Brown Bar-ba- loots, and Humming-Fishes. Bewitched by the beauty of the Truffula Tree tufts, he greedily chops them down to produce and mass-market Thneeds. ("It's a shirt. It's a sock. It's a glove. It's a hat.") As the trees swiftly disappear and the denizens leave for greener pastures, the fuzzy yellow Lorax (who speaks for the trees "for the trees have no tongues") repeatedly warns the Once-ler, but his words of wisdom are for nothing. Finally the Lorax extricates himself from the scorched earth (by the seat of his own furry pants), leaving only a rock engraved "UNLESS." Thus, with his own colourful version of a compelling morality play, Dr. Seuss teaches readers not to fool with Mother Nature. But as you might expect from Seuss, all hope is not lost--the Once-ler has saved a single Truffula Tree seed! Our fate now rests in the hands of a caring child, who becomes our last chance for a clean, green future. (Ages 4 to 8)

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Generation after generation - Rated
I read this to my sons, now aged 38 & 34. Out of their extensive collection of books, it was always the favourite. I can recite it by heart even now. Just ordered a copy for the youngest grandson, his sister aged 15 said she would love to have a copy to read to him, it brings back such memories!
I always got a lump in my throat on the last page!

Eco-kiddies - Rated
Bring your own little eco-warrior on with this Dr Seuss classic. My son loves this as much as I did when I was his age ("Lorax sad!" *shakes little head*). The Lorax dares to stand in the way of industry, but ultimately loses the fight as all the Truffula trees fall, and the animals that depend on them have to leave. Too late, the Once-ler sees the error of his ways. I'm guessing this must be a '50's or '60's book, and it is (sadly) as relevant today as it's ever been. Essential reading, and an essential message behind it. If only more people had heeded it over the years. Be one of the good guys, and enjoy a wonderful book all at the same time.

At the far end of town where the grickle grass grows - Rated
Excellent book to start children on environmentalism and sustainable development. Illustrates the basic concepts of ecology in the disappearing Truffula Trees and Bar-ba-loots. Discusses deforestation, biodiversity loss and air pollution and how they are connected, using clever rhymes. The colorful illustrations are amusing and are classic Seuss. This book will be loved by children and adults alike.

Seuss at his best - Rated
The Lorax was given to my children as a gift and it has now overtaken The Cat in the Hat as my favourite Dr Seuss. I particularly enjoyed its wry morality, but it has all the familiar Seuss ingredients - engaging rhyme, amusing characters and fun/whacky illustrations. Surprisingly, it is among the least known of the Seuss books among my friends. Anyone discovering it for the first time has a treat in store.

A classic for children and adults alike. - Rated
Having had this book first read to me at a very tender age, my brother and I implored our Dad to read it to us all the time.

A veritable classic for any age group; the story, characters, rhymes and implied morality hit a note with anybody.