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12 inspiring Dr. Seuss quotes your child will love

Memorable Dr. Seuss quotes that inspire and make us smile

Toddler reading book with mom
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Did you know how Dr. Seuss got his name? Seuss was actually his mom’s maiden name. While he was a student at Dartmouth, Theodor Seuss Geisel got himself into a bit of trouble like many college students do. In his case, gin was considered bootleg in 1925. Yes, Dr. Seuss books have been around for a very long time. The dean at the time suspended Geisel from his editing duties at Dartmouth’s humor magazine. In reality, the joke was on the dean because Geisel remained editor-in-chief and began using Seuss as his pen name. A few years passed before he tacked on the Dr.

Dr. Seuss published his first book, And to Think that I Saw It on Mulberry Street, in 1937, His manuscript was passed over 27 times. Imagine that, thought the Cat and the Hat. We cannot. Seuss would go on to publish and illustrate 86 books throughout his legendary career. Today, elementary kids celebrate his birthday, March 2, with a special week celebrating his books and those of his fellow children’s book authors. With a career spanning more than 60 years, there are quite a few memorable Dr. Seuss quotes.

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Seuss is often quoted at commencement ceremonies, and his book, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, is often given as a gift to high school and college graduates. It’s one of the reasons why Read Across America was created to honor one of the most beloved children’s book authors. Do you have any top Dr. Seuss, quotes? We do.

Favorite Dr. Seuss quotes

A mother and daughter reading together
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Most kids have read or heard a Dr. Seuss book, whether it’s at school or home. Dr. Seuss books are often one of the first books we read to our kids as parents. Dr. Seuss books are also usually one of the first kids read on their own. From The Cat in the Hat to How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss books have been a mainstay in homes, libraries, and classrooms.

Whether you need inspiration for a graduation card, a daily quote for your students, or just need a smile, enjoy these Dr. Seuss quotes that never go out of style.

  • “A person’s a person, no matter how small.Horton Hears a Who!
  • “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – I Can Read with My Eyes Shut
  • “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.” – Happy Birthday to You!
  • “Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your Mountain is Waiting. So, get on your way.” – Oh, the Places You’ll Go
  • “You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go.” – Oh, the Places You’ll Go
  • Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – The Lorax
  • “Things are not quite as bad as you think.” – The Sneetches and Other Stories
  • “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back, and relax, all you need is a book.” – Dr. Seuss
  • “It is fun to have fun, but you have to know how.” – The Cat in the Hat
  • “Why fit in when you were born to stand out.” – Dr. Seuss
  • “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” – Oh, the Places You’ll Go
  • “Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from store.” – How the Grinch Stole Christmas

There are so many fun and meaningful ways to use Dr. Seuss quotes. Perhaps the best way is by sharing his books with your kiddos. The reason why Dr. Seuss quotes resonate with adults is because they remember hearing or reading them as a kid. Dr. Seuss also said, “Read. Travel. Read. Ask. Read. Learn. Read. Connect. Read.”

Dawn Miller
Dawn Miller began her professional life as an elementary school teacher before returning to her first love, writing. In…
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