FICTION

The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories

by Dr. SEUSS
illus. by author. 69p. CIP. Random. 2011. Tr $15. ISBN 978-0-375-86435-3; PLB $18. ISBN 978-0-375-96435-0. LC 2009052588.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 6—Seven stories published in magazines from 1948 to '59 appear with their original texts and illustrations, all of which have been technologically enhanced. In a lengthy introduction, Seuss scholar Charles D. Cohen describes his research in uncovering these stories and the ways in which they resonate with familiar Seussian elements and themes. Youngsters see the folly of greed when the duck in "The Bippolo Seed" wants more than he needs and ends up with nothing. The message in "The Rabbit, the Bear, and the Zinniga-Zanniga" is that, "…when you fight with Big Guys.../A bit of Quick-Thinking/counts much more than size!" An illustration of the foolish bear atop the tree while the rabbit escapes adds to the fun. "Gustav, the Goldfish" and "The Strange Shirt Spot" demonstrate the consequences of not following the rules. Unable to settle on one occupation, the protagonist in "The Great Henry McBride" dreams big, convincing himself and children everywhere that they can be and do anything. The delightful rhythm, tongue-tickling language, and trademark art exemplify how Seuss's work has delighted generations of readers and made learning to read fun.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT
Seuss scholar Charles D. Cohen reintroduces seven Seuss stories originally published in magazines (never before in book form). Youngsters can enter the recognizable Seuss world complete with staccato rhymes and familiar (color-enhanced) illustrations. Here they'll find a trickster, a(nother) feisty feline, and more. Listeners and beginning readers--as well as their caregivers--will appreciate the opportunity to revisit an old beloved friend.
Dr. Seuss’s distinctive wit, rhyming couplets, outlandish creatures, and vibrant illustrations are all on display in these rediscovered stories. Written at a pivotal point in Seuss’s career, between 1948 and 1959, when he was experimenting with energetic stories that were meant to be read aloud (from “The Bippolo Seed”: “‘Well!’ thought the duck. ‘Well, now, what do you know! / I just have to wish, and my wishes will grow.’”). Those familiar with the Seuss oeuvre will delight in the recurring themes and similarities to the books they already know. “Gustav, the Goldfish,” for example, is an early version of the popular beginning reader A Fish Out of Water by Seuss’s first wife, Helen Palmer. Similarly, the idea behind “The Strange Shirt Spot” became a memorable part of The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. Seuss scholar Charles D. Cohen’s cheery and informed introduction provides a behind-the-scenes look at each story, some fascinating trivia, and anecdotes from people with fond memories of encountering these stories in their original form.

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