Dr. Seuss's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Dr. Seuss. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
Theodor Seuss Geisel, known as Dr. Seuss, was a prolific American children's author and cartoonist. He wrote and illustrated over 60 books, achieving immense popularity and selling over 600 million copies worldwide, translated into more than 20 languages by the time of his death. His works are staples of children's literature.
1947: McElligot's Pool Named Caldecott Runner-Up
In 1947, "McElligot's Pool" was chosen as a Caldecott runner-up, now referred to as a Caldecott Honor book.
1947: Design for Death Released
In 1947, the film "Design for Death", based on Geisel's work, was released and later won an Academy Award.
1949: Bartholomew and the Oobleck Named Caldecott Runner-Up
In 1949, "Bartholomew and the Oobleck" was chosen as a Caldecott runner-up, now referred to as a Caldecott Honor book.
1950: Gerald McBoing-Boing Won Academy Award
In 1950, "Gerald McBoing-Boing", based on a story by Seuss, won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
1955: Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Dartmouth
In 1955, Dartmouth awarded Geisel an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters.
June 1956: Accepted Honorary Doctorate
In June 1956, Geisel accepted the honorary doctorate from Dartmouth that had been awarded to him the previous year.
1978: Won Emmy for "Halloween Is Grinch Night"
In 1978, Geisel received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Special for "Halloween Is Grinch Night".
1980: Awarded Honorary Doctorate and Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal
In 1980, Geisel was awarded an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Whittier College and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.
1982: Won Emmy for "The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat"
In 1982, Geisel won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program for "The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat".
1984: Received Pulitzer Prize Special Citation
In 1984, Geisel was awarded a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for his contributions to the education and enjoyment of America's children.
1984: Won Special Pulitzer Prize
In 1984, Geisel won a special Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to children's education and enjoyment.
2000: Publishers Weekly List of Best-Selling Children's Books
In 2000, Publishers Weekly compiled a list of the best-selling children's books, with 16 of the top 100 hardcover books written by Geisel.
2004: Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Established
In 2004, U.S. children's librarians established the annual Theodor Seuss Geisel Award to recognize distinguished American books for beginning readers.
2008: Dr. Seuss Inducted into the California Hall of Fame
In 2008, Dr. Seuss was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.
April 4, 2012: Dartmouth Medical School Renamed
On April 4, 2012, Dartmouth Medical School was renamed the Audrey and Theodor Geisel School of Medicine in honor of their generosity.
2012: Crater on Mercury Named After Geisel
In 2012, a crater on the planet Mercury was named after Geisel.
