The Boy On Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss

The Boy On Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss
by Kathleen Krull
paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
Random House Children's Books (2004)
Interest Level: ages 7-11

Category: Nonfiction Biography
Type: Picture Book

Summary:
Kathleen Krull does a wonderful job introducing the reader to the young Ted Geisel, who later becomes known as "Dr. Seuss." He was born in 1904 and grew up on 34th Street in springfield, Massachusetts. His father practically ran the zoo so Ted spent many days there and at night, he would dream of the animals. Ted's mother would read stories and nonsense verse to him every night. She gave him his first stuffed animal which Ted named Theophrastus. Ted stayed active with his wild imagination as a boy. In the summers, he would fish with his father, play in the sand, learn to swim, and enjoyed the parades. But most of all, Ted loved to draw. He drew all kinds of imaginary creatures; whatever popped into his head. Ted took his first Art class in high school. The teacher scolded him for breaking the rules and told him he would never be a successful artist so he quit the class. Kathleen Krull goes on to tell of Ted Geisel's other adventures and eventual success. Read this book to find out more about the real "Dr. Seuss."

Online Connections:
1. Dr. Seuss's Seussville: http://www.seussville.com
2. Dr. Seuss's Biography: http://www.catinthehat.org

Book Connections:
1. Oh the Places He Went: A Story About Dr. Seuss by Maryann N. Weidt, illustrated by Kerry Maguire
2. Dr. Seuss (Rookie Biographies) by Dana Meachen Rau

Keywords: Dr. Seuss, American authors, illustrators, biographies, Ted Geisel