Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, was a prolific American author and illustrator of children's books. His imaginative stories and whimsical characters, featured in classics like "The Cat in the Hat" and "Green Eggs and Ham," have captivated generations of young readers. With over 600 million copies sold worldwide, his work has left an indelible mark on children's literature.
March 2, 1904: Theodor Seuss Geisel's Birth
Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, was born on March 2, 1904.
1914: Geisel Family Faces Prejudice During World War I
Following the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Theodor Seuss Geisel and his sister, Marnie, faced anti-German prejudice from other children.
1920: Start of Prohibition in the United States
The Prohibition era began in the United States in 1920, making the possession and consumption of alcohol illegal.
1925: Geisel Graduates from Dartmouth College
Theodor Seuss Geisel graduated from Dartmouth College in 1925.
February 1927: Geisel Returns to the United States and Starts Freelancing
In February 1927, after leaving Oxford, Geisel returned to the United States. He began working as a freelance writer and illustrator, submitting his work to various publications.
July 16, 1927: Geisel's First Nationally Published Cartoon
Geisel's first nationally published cartoon appeared in The Saturday Evening Post on July 16, 1927.
October 22, 1927: Geisel's First Cartoon for Judge Magazine
On October 22, 1927, Geisel's first cartoon for Judge magazine was published.
1927: Geisel Begins His Career and Publishes First Children's Book
In 1927, Geisel left Oxford and started his career as an illustrator and cartoonist for various publications, including Vanity Fair and Life. He also worked on advertising campaigns.
May 31, 1928: Geisel's First Flit Ad
On May 31, 1928, Geisel's first advertisement for Flit bug spray was published. This marked the beginning of a successful advertising campaign that would boost his fame.
1931: "Boners" Published and Topped Bestseller List
In 1931, Geisel illustrated a collection of children's sayings called "Boners," which became a bestseller. A sequel, "More Boners," was published later that year.
1933: End of Prohibition in the United States
Prohibition in the United States ended in 1933.
1936: Geisel and His Wife Travel Extensively
By 1936, Geisel and his wife had traveled to 30 countries together.
1936: Inspiration for "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street"
In 1936, Geisel drew inspiration for his first children's book, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," from the rhythm of a ship's engine during a voyage back from Europe.
1937: "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street" Published
In 1937, Geisel published his first children's book, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," marking a significant milestone in his career.
1937: And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street
"And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," one of Dr. Seuss's early works, was published in 1937.
1938: Publication of "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins"
Theodor Seuss Geisel published "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins" in 1938.
1939: Publication of "The King's Stilts" and "The Seven Lady Godivas"
In 1939, Theodor Seuss Geisel published two books: "The King's Stilts" and "The Seven Lady Godivas."
1940: Publication of "Horton Hatches the Egg"
Theodor Seuss Geisel published "Horton Hatches the Egg" in 1940, marking a return to writing in verse.
1941: End of Geisel's Flit Advertising Campaign
Geisel's Flit advertising campaign, which began in 1928, came to an end in 1941.
1942: Start of World War II Contributions
In 1942, Dr. Seuss began contributing to the U.S. war effort by creating posters for the Treasury Department and the War Production Board.
1942: Horton Hatches the Egg (Animated Short)
The first adaptation of Dr. Seuss's work emerged in 1942 with the animated short film "Horton Hatches the Egg," animated by Leon Schlesinger Productions and directed by Bob Clampett.
1943: Joining the Army
Dr. Seuss joined the U.S. Army in 1943 as a captain. He was assigned to the Animation Department of the First Motion Picture Unit of the U.S. Army Air Forces.
1943: The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins (Stop-Motion Film)
In 1943, "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins" was adapted into a stop-motion film by George Pal as part of his Puppetoons series, receiving an Academy Award nomination.
1944: And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street (Stop-Motion Film)
George Pal adapted "And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street" into a stop-motion film in 1944, which also received an Academy Award nomination.
1945: Wartime Filmmaking
Dr. Seuss wrote films for the U.S. Army in 1945, including "Your Job in Germany" and the "Private Snafu" series.
1947: Academy Award for "Design for Death"
"Design for Death", a film based on Dr. Seuss's "Our Job in Japan", won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1947.
1947: McElligot's Pool
Published in 1947, "McElligot's Pool" is another example of Dr. Seuss's imaginative storytelling.
1950: Publication of "If I Ran the Zoo"
Theodor Seuss Geisel published the children's book "If I Ran the Zoo" in 1950.
1950: Academy Award for "Gerald McBoing-Boing"
Dr. Seuss's story "Gerald McBoing-Boing" was adapted into an animated short film that won an Academy Award in 1950.
1950: If I Ran the Zoo
Published in 1950, "If I Ran the Zoo" was among the many imaginative worlds created by Dr. Seuss.
1950: Publication of "If I Ran the Zoo"
Dr. Seuss published his book "If I Ran the Zoo" in 1950. It was later recognized as a Caldecott Honor book.
1951: Gerald McBoing-Boing (Cartoon)
Dr. Seuss's cartoon "Gerald McBoing-Boing" was released in 1951.
1953: Release of "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T"
Dr. Seuss's musical fantasy film "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T" was released in 1953. Despite its critical and commercial failure, it marked his venture into feature filmmaking.
1953: Scrambled Eggs Super!
Published in 1953, "Scrambled Eggs Super!" is another example of Dr. Seuss's whimsical and imaginative stories.
May 1954: The Cat in the Hat: A Response to Illiteracy
In May 1954, inspired by a report on illiteracy, Dr. Seuss was challenged to write a book using a limited vocabulary for young readers, leading to the creation of "The Cat in the Hat".
1954: "Horton Hears a Who!" as Allegory
Dr. Seuss's "Horton Hears a Who!" (1954) served as an allegory for the American post-war occupation of Japan, reflecting a shift in his perspective after the war.
1954: Horton Hears a Who!
Published in 1954, Dr. Seuss's "Horton Hears a Who!" promotes themes of anti-isolationism and internationalism.
1955: On Beyond Zebra!
Dr. Seuss further explored the world of language and imagination with "On Beyond Zebra!," published in 1955.
1955: Publication of "Horton Hears a Who!"
Dr. Seuss published "Horton Hears a Who!" in 1955.
1955: Honorary Doctorate from Dartmouth
Dr. Seuss's alma mater, Dartmouth, awarded him an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters in 1955.
1955: Publication of "Horton Hears a Who!"
Theodor Seuss Geisel published "Horton Hears a Who!" in 1955.
June 1956: Acceptance of Honorary Doctorate
Dr. Seuss formally accepted his honorary doctorate from Dartmouth in June 1956 after a delay due to his wife's illness.
1956: Publication of "If I Ran the Circus"
Dr. Seuss published "If I Ran the Circus" in 1956.
1956: Gerald McBoing-Boing (Animated Series)
An animated series based on Dr. Seuss's "Gerald McBoing-Boing" aired for a short period between 1956 and 1957.
1957: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Published in 1957, Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" offers a critique of the economic materialism and consumerism associated with the Christmas season.
1957: End of Gerald McBoing-Boing (Animated Series)
The animated television adaptation of "Gerald McBoing-Boing" concluded after a brief run between 1956 and 1957.
1958: Yertle the Turtle
Published in 1958, Dr. Seuss's "Yertle the Turtle" serves as a critique of Adolf Hitler and anti-authoritarianism.
1960: Publication of "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish"
Dr. Seuss further engaged young readers with the publication of "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" in 1960.
1960: Publication of "Green Eggs and Ham"
Dr. Seuss published "Green Eggs and Ham" in 1960, adding to his growing collection of beloved children's books.
1960: Green Eggs and Ham (Book Publication)
Dr. Seuss's iconic children's book, "Green Eggs and Ham," was published in 1960.
1960: Publication of "Green Eggs and Ham" and "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish"
In 1960, Geisel published two more iconic children's books: "Green Eggs and Ham" and "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish."
1961: The Sneetches
Published in 1961, Dr. Seuss's "The Sneetches" advocates for racial equality through its whimsical story.
1961: Publication of "The Sneetches and Other Stories"
Theodor Seuss Geisel published the collection of stories "The Sneetches and Other Stories" in 1961.
1965: Use of Pen Name Theo LeSieg
Dr. Seuss began using the pen name "Theo LeSieg" for books he wrote but didn't illustrate, starting with "I Wish That I Had Duck Feet" in 1965. "LeSieg" is "Geisel" spelled backward.
1966: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Animated Cartoon)
Chuck Jones, a renowned cartoon artist and friend of Dr. Seuss, created an animated version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" in 1966, narrated by and starring Boris Karloff as the Grinch, which became an annual Christmas television special.
October 23, 1967: Death of Helen Palmer Geisel
Dr. Seuss's wife, Helen Palmer Geisel, died on October 23, 1967.
June 21, 1968: Marriage to Audrey Dimond
Dr. Seuss married Audrey Dimond on June 21, 1968.
1970: Horton Hears a Who! (Animated Adaptation)
Chuck Jones directed an animated adaptation of "Horton Hears a Who!" in 1970.
1971: The Cat in the Hat (Animated Adaptation)
Chuck Jones produced an animated adaptation of "The Cat in the Hat" in 1971.
1971: Publication of "The Lorax"
In 1971, Geisel published "The Lorax," an environmental tale that went on to become one of his best-known works.
1971: The Lorax
Published in 1971, "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss explores themes of environmentalism and anti-consumerism.
1972: The Lorax (Animated Special)
Dr. Seuss wrote six animated specials that were produced by DePatie-Freleng from 1972 to 1983. The first one, "The Lorax," was released in 1972.
1972: Political Commentary During Watergate Scandal
During the Watergate scandal (1972-1974), Dr. Seuss used his platform to comment on the political climate, adapting his book "Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!" to call for President Richard Nixon's resignation.
1973: Dr. Seuss on the Loose (Animated Special)
"Dr. Seuss on the Loose," the second animated special by Dr. Seuss and DePatie-Freleng, was released in 1973.
1973: My Many Colored Days (Writing)
Dr. Seuss wrote "My Many Colored Days" in 1973.
1974: End of Watergate Scandal
The Watergate scandal, which Dr. Seuss had commented on, concluded in 1974 with the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
1975: The Hoober-Bloob Highway (Animated Special)
1975 saw the release of "The Hoober-Bloob Highway," another animated special written by Dr. Seuss and produced by DePatie-Freleng.
1975: Publication of "Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo!!"
Dr. Seuss, under the pen name Rosetta Stone, co-authored the book "Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo!!" with Michael K. Frith in 1975. The pen name was a tribute to his second wife, Audrey, whose maiden name was Stone.
1976: The Cat's Quizzer
Published in 1976, "The Cat's Quizzer" continued Dr. Seuss's legacy of creating engaging and imaginative content for children.
1977: Halloween Is Grinch Night (Animated Special)
"Halloween Is Grinch Night," another collaboration between Dr. Seuss and DePatie-Freleng, premiered in 1977.
1978: Geisel Wins Primetime Emmy Award for "Halloween Is Grinch Night"
Theodor Seuss Geisel won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Special for "Halloween Is Grinch Night" in 1978.
1980: Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You? (Animated Special)
Dr. Seuss's animated special "Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You?," produced by DePatie-Freleng, was released in 1980.
1980: Recognition for Contributions to Children's Literature
In 1980, Dr. Seuss received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, a prestigious award recognizing significant contributions to children's literature.
1982: The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (Animated Special)
"The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat" marked another animated special collaboration between Dr. Seuss and DePatie-Freleng, released in 1982.
1982: Geisel Wins Primetime Emmy Award for "The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat"
In 1982, Geisel received another Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program for "The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat."
1983: End of Collaboration with DePatie-Freleng
Dr. Seuss concluded his collaboration with DePatie-Freleng on animated specials in 1983.
1984: The Butter Battle Book
Dr. Seuss's "The Butter Battle Book," published in 1984, critiques the arms race through its allegorical narrative.
1984: Pulitzer Prize Recognition
Dr. Seuss's lasting impact on children's literature was further cemented in 1984 when he was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to the education and enjoyment of children and their parents.
1984: Geisel Awarded Pulitzer Prize Special Citation
In 1984, Geisel's contributions to children's literature were recognized with a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation.
1984: Publication of "The Butter Battle Book"
Theodor Seuss Geisel published "The Butter Battle Book" in 1984.
1986: Welcome (Soviet Animated Short)
A Soviet paint-on-glass animated adaptation of "Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose," titled "Welcome," was released in 1986.
1990: Publication of "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"
In 1990, Theodor Seuss Geisel published "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"
September 24, 1991: Theodor Seuss Geisel's Death
Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, passed away on September 24, 1991.
1991: Posthumous Publications Begin
Following Dr. Seuss's death in 1991, the publication of books based on his sketches and notes began.
1991: Death of Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss passed away from cancer at the age of 87 in 1991.
1994: In Search of Dr. Seuss (Television Film)
A television film titled "In Search of Dr. Seuss," adapting many of Dr. Seuss's stories, was released in 1994.
December 1, 1995: Naming of Geisel Library
On December 1, 1995, the University of California, San Diego's University Library Building was renamed Geisel Library to honor Dr. Seuss and Audrey Geisel for their generous support of the library and their dedication to literacy.
1996: My Many Colored Days (Posthumous Publication)
"My Many Colored Days," written by Dr. Seuss in 1973, was posthumously published in 1996.
1996: The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss (Premiere)
Nickelodeon aired "The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss," a live-action and puppetry series produced by Jim Henson Television, for two seasons, starting in 1996.
1998: End of The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss
"The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss" concluded its run on Nickelodeon in 1998.
2000: Publishers Weekly Bestselling Children's Books List
In 2000, Publishers Weekly released a list of the best-selling children's books of all time, with Dr. Seuss's works prominently featured.
2000: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Live-Action Film) and Seussical (Broadway Musical)
The year 2000 saw the premiere of a live-action adaptation of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" starring Jim Carrey and the debut of "Seussical," a Seuss-themed Broadway musical.
2002: Opening of Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, celebrating Dr. Seuss and his iconic characters, opened in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 2002.
2003: The Cat in the Hat (Live-Action Film)
In 2003, a live-action film adaptation of "The Cat in the Hat," featuring Mike Myers as the title character, was released, drawing criticism from Audrey Geisel.
2004: Establishment of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
In 2004, the annual Theodor Seuss Geisel Award was established by U.S. children's librarians. This award recognizes the most distinguished American book for beginning readers.
2005: Gerald McBoing-Boing (Remake Premiere)
A remake of the 1956 animated series "Gerald McBoing-Boing" premiered in 2005.
2007: End of Gerald McBoing-Boing (Remake)
The remake of "Gerald McBoing-Boing" ended its run in 2007.
March 14, 2008: Horton Hears a Who! (CGI Animated Film)
A CGI-animated feature film adaptation of "Horton Hears a Who!" was released on March 14, 2008, receiving positive reviews.
2008: Induction into the California Hall of Fame
Dr. Seuss was recognized for his contributions to literature and culture with his induction into the California Hall of Fame in 2008.
2009: Continued Popularity of Dr. Seuss's Books
Even in 2009, decades after their initial publication, books like "Green Eggs and Ham," "The Cat in the Hat," and "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" continued to be top sellers, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Dr. Seuss's work.
September 6, 2010: The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! (US Premiere)
"The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!" debuted in the United States on September 6, 2010, and continued to produce new episodes as of 2018.
September 2011: The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories
"The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories," a collection of seven Dr. Seuss tales originally published in magazines during the 1950s, was released in September 2011.
March 2, 2012: The Lorax (CGI Animated Film)
Universal Pictures released "The Lorax," a CGI-animated feature film, on March 2, 2012, coinciding with Dr. Seuss's 108th birthday.
April 4, 2012: Renaming of Dartmouth Medical School
Dartmouth Medical School was renamed the Audrey and Theodor Geisel School of Medicine on April 4, 2012, honoring the Geisels' long history of generosity to the institution.
2012: Crater on Mercury Named After Dr. Seuss
A crater on the planet Mercury was named in honor of Dr. Seuss in 2012, a testament to his lasting impact on literature and culture.
2017: Opening of the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, dedicated to the author's life and work, opened in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 2017.
November 9, 2018: The Grinch (CGI Animated Film)
Universal Pictures released "The Grinch," a CGI-animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss's story, on November 9, 2018.
December 19, 2018: Death of Audrey Geisel
Audrey Geisel, Dr. Seuss's second wife, passed away on December 19, 2018, at the age of 97.
2018: Continued Production of "The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!"
"The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!" continued to produce new episodes as of 2018.
November 8, 2019: Green Eggs and Ham (Animated Series Premiere)
Netflix premiered "Green Eggs and Ham," an animated series adaptation of Dr. Seuss's 1960 book, on November 8, 2019.
March 2, 2021: Dr. Seuss Enterprises Ceases Publication of Six Books
On March 2, 2021, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the organization managing the rights to Dr. Seuss's works, announced the discontinuation of publishing and licensing for six books due to their portrayal of people in hurtful and wrong ways.
2022: Green Eggs and Ham: The Second Serving (Premiere)
Netflix premiered the second season of the animated series "Green Eggs and Ham," titled "Green Eggs and Ham: The Second Serving," in 2022.