The Bottom Line
Children's writer/illustrator Theodor Seuss Geisel, most known by his pen name Dr. Seuss, created an imaginary cast of characters in his book The Lorax. It was written in 1971 on the heels of forest industry bad press on environmental issues unfolding in the United States' Pacific Northwest dealing with the Northern spotted owl and the health of coastal redwoods and Douglas firs. It influenced children's (and parents) environmental perceptions for decades.
Pros
- The children's book continues to heighten children and parents environment awareness.
- Well developed and illustrated characters; one of Seuss' best works.
Cons
- The Lorax is perceived by some as promoting an unfair anti-industrial agenda.
Description
- Illustrated children's book explaining the effect of people on the environment.
- Probably Theodor Seuss Geisel's most controversial book.
- Most influential children's book ever written on the environment vs. industrial resource use.
Guide Review - Review: Dr. Seuss' The Lorax
Possibly Dr. Seuss' most controversial work, The Lorax has become a popular metaphor for those concerned about the human impact on the environment. The children's book consists of an argument between two creatures, the tree-loving Lorax and the money-loving Once-ler who makes Thneeds from truffula trees.
Several timber industry groups sponsored the creation of a book called The Truax in rebuttal to the Seuss book. The Lorax was actually banned in some schools and libraries in regions with timber economies for its anti-forest industry content.
