The Lorax (Classic Seuss)

This book arrived in perfect time, perfect condition, and perfect content. Everything as it should be. The only issue is a two inch wide one inch tall addition to the cover proclaiming it earth friendly and printed on recycled paper. While I'm all in favor of this project, especially for this book, it's not a sticker, so it cannot be removed. It very much detracts from the classic cover of a wonderful book.

I am a teacher and I got this book for Earth Day. The quality was outstanding! The pictures were brighter than the copy I grew up with, and I got to keep that copy for myself! The children loved being able to hold the story versus just watching a movie and could even explain why it is important to care for our environment! That is pretty good for a group of 4-5 year olds. This is just a classic book that should be in every child's library.

I found this book at the store for my wife who is a preschool teacher. She was so happy to finally have this hard to find item, and the bonus is that it is a book on taking care of the planet and its written on recycled paper. It came faster than expected in a smiling box. I would recomend the store to anyone!

Bought 12 copies to donate to the local elementary schools. What a GREAT lesson for the kids to learn (especially now in the era of "Feel the Bern"). Our country is in danger and we had better get back to basics folks!

This is it! I had been looking for a book like this. It is important to me to raise my child to have environmental awareness. I think this book will help your child learn how important their planet is.

I only gave it four stars because my son got bored after a few pages, I think these books should be in a category for older children who can sit longer than 10 minutes, I enjoy reading these and think riddles and rhymes are good for kids but not three year olds maybe five and older. Other than that I have split the story and told my son we would pick it up later and it seems to be okay.

Brings back fantastic memories of when I was read this story as a kid. Glad to pass this experience along to my children now. Sad that the gold "printed on recycled paper" label is not a sticker. Wish I had known that. Would have looked around for a different edition.

This wonderful book conveys the essence of Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" in a way that even pre-schoolers understand. Of course understanding fairness is something that comes naturally to most little ones, they haven't been to School yet!

I would recommend this book to anyone who had children of any age. I grew up with the little 30 minute cartoon, so when I had children of my own, and saw how much they loved the orange character, I just had to get the book.

The book is like brand new! I worked in a library 3 years and know it is in great shape! Plus, I love the story! I love the rhyme and rhythm used by Theodore Geisel. My appreciation is 5 stars of thanks!

My 5 and 7 years olds have made this one of their favorites. My 7 year read it himself and is even memorizing parts of it. There are lots of made up words in this one, but my kids seem to like that, too. The story moves fast and every page has something new. It is a story of environmental responsibility and my kids get the point, that's good.

I love this book! It teaches children the importance of respecting our earth so that we do not complete deplete our natural resources. I feel that every child should read this book or have it read to them.

We like that the Lorax was kind to the animals and plants. He tried to save them. The Onceler was a mean bully that chopped down all the trees and polluted the water. Our school is trying to help the Purple Martins come back from endangered status. We have houses in our garden for them and they eat bugss,

My 3 year old sons favorite book. He asks us to read it every day and has the words memorized so he usually helps finish the sentences. Not only is the moral of the story fantastic (save the trees, take care of the earth, down with the man!) but the wording that Dr. Suess uses in this book is very creative and keeps us entertained as well. "Teeth Sounding Grey", "Sounded as if he had smallish bees up his nose", and "On special dank midnights in August", for example.

Reading Dr. Seuss to kids can be a lot of fun but this one comes with a good message too! I was told that this book is "too long" and not allowed to share it with children @ the Central Library Seuss Fest so I got my own copy and read it to 6 different classrooms of school kids this year! Perhaps it is too long for "Socially Promoted" adults but the kids love it! Fight Social Promotion - educate our children!

I love this book. Well, not the exact book I received, but the original "Lorax" story. The text of the book I received from the store is slightly blurred: some sort of printing error, I guess. And of course, it's nigh on impossible to find an edition of the book with the truly telling line about Lake Erie anymore ("...looking for water that isn't so smeary./I hear things are just as bad up in Lake Erie."). Ah well - it's much better to have this shell-of-a-copy of the tale than none at all!

As an Economics teacher I had read that this story encompassed the story of Economics. After reading The Lorax I am now going to end the year 12's schooling the same way they started school - by sitting them down on the carpet and reading a story.

It fits nicely into the syllabus.

Theres no question about the content, however, so far, it's very difficult to read. Can't seem to expand. It's landscape only and displays two pages at a time which is pretty small on my Kindle Fire HD.

You know the story, and the lesson. It's essentially an environmental cautionary tale, and the rhythm of the poetry is pretty good (like most real Seuss). Just be aware, the moral is pretty heavy, as the story is told after devastation is wreaked across the land. Older young kids might find the story sort of sad.

Book arrived in very poor condition... The hardcover is ripped up and very dirty. For what I spent, I could've just went to the store and bought a new one, as this book was advertised to be in very good condition... I'm very disappointed... This was supposed to be for my 6 month old son, but I'm afraid to even let him touch it.

I had this book as a kid, and now have gotten it for a grandchild. It's one of the lesser known stories from Dr Seuss, and features guests that overstay and abuse Thidwick until he finds a way to deal with them.

Might not be politically correct in today's culture, but still a good story.

This has always been my favorite Dr. Seuss book and I am not giving it a bad review because of the book. I am giving it a bad review because something happened when the book was printed and the book I received has doubles or a bunch of pages and is missing other pages. To top it off the story is all out of order. I am glad I read through it before I got ready to share it with my class. Now I have to go out and purchase another copy because it is too late to order one in time for Read Across America day.

I used this book with my 3rd graders as an example of how humans impact the resources on our planet. We referred to the book throughout our entire unit of study and it really helped the students to make connections to their own lives, despite the fantasy nature of the story. It also brings a message of hope at the end.

This story is great. My complaint is the two and a half inch stamp on the front of the book that says it was printed on recycled paper. Had I known this was to be there I would have bought it at my local bookstore. This book is a gift and it looks like something I picked up at Kohl's for $5. Ugh!

It took a few days for the book to be shipped but once it shipped it got to. Me very fast. I love this book and read it every night to my son. This is a great message! And on recycled paper it really helps the message along!!

I don't remember The Lorax having pages that repeat itself verbatim. I think there was a printing issue with this book- unless the book is written with several pages in a row being the exact page as a few before and then feeling like you're reading the beginning of the book all over again. I've been meaning to go to the library and look at one on their shelf but haven't had time. It's just bizarre....

Book arrived with warped pages and back cover, dusty, a few tiny dirty water marks on cover, and a big green.....what looks like a sticker, but it's not, it's part of the cover...stamp on the cover saying the book is green made of recycled paper. Ugh.

The cover of this book has a special label printed on it stating the book was printed on recycled paper. I am very pro using recycled paper, but I wish the description said that the label was on there. I bought the book as a gift for a picky person who wanted this particular cover, but the label made the cover all "wrong."

The book content is fabulous.

Let me start by saying that I am a HUGE Dr. Seuss fan. We have almost all of his books and love reading them. I bought this one as a Christmas gift for my 2 year old son and we were so excited to read it. The story starts out super cute with a moose that has uninvited guests in his horns. But the ending is disgusting. The guests all end up stuffed up on a wall. The last picture is of the animals mounted on a wall with little Xs for their eyes. I did not want to get into a whole discussion on hunting and taxidermy with my 2 year old! Again, we LOVE Dr. Seuss and read at least one of his stories every day. I just thought this one was a little nasty.....

This book is horrendous! Do not be deceived by your warm childhood memories of Dr. Seuss. In this book he has failed miserably to make his case. Thidwick, a kind moose gets bullied and abused by other animals wishing to take advantage of him by nesting in his horns. Everybody jumps in on it. It's really funny for those animals...but not for Thidwick, for him its torturous. His peer moose migrate and he can't so he is left behind. No moose come back to help him. Then the hunters come! And not just 2 or 3 - imagine a combat squad... like THAT's a good image for a really young kid!? And as Thidwick is being shot at to be killed he suddenly remembers that he can shed his antlers once a year and dumps his antlers and everyone on them. Wow, he sure showed them. And then he swims across to safety to his peers waiting on the other side of the river. Yeah, its that easy! He's happy again! Not. Consequences or lessons for the bullies? Eventually your free ride is over. No consequences except that you eventually have to stop abusing someone...but nothing bad will really happen to you. This book should be retired into history. It sets up poor examples for young people and sends a very unkind message. So if you want to encourage your child to join the crowd in abusing the kind nice kid, buy this book.

Ordered book as new. Came in very obviously used. It had a card in it for someone and notes to t&e recipient who received the book in 1995! I emailed the company once with no response and have just done so again. Not happy!

A standalone story at Lake Winna-Bango about a quite polite moose who is taken advantage of by too many guests.

My Take
Poor Thidwick is much too nice and polite. And for all my ranting about generations younger to mine not learning manners or being polite to others (ain't that always the way of the old folks, lol!), one of the "manners" I wish I'd been taught was how to be politely NOT nice.

Thidwick's mother must have rammed it home too well that guests should be accommodated. And I don't think his fellow moose had mothers like Thidwick's, as they were quite mean. Thidwick's guests certainly weren't taught any manners. They are so rude and selfish. And not far-thinking a'tall, a'tall!

The illustrations are sweetly Seuss. I loved the one with Thidwick watching his herd mates swimming across the lake while he has his many, many guests nesting in his antlers. And do enjoy the dedication at the start. It was too cutely sweet with the moose moss for Helen.

The end!! The end!! What. A. Crackup! Yeah for Thidwick, ROFLMAO.

The Story
Having been brought up so well, Thidwick naturally extends his hospitality to Bingle Bug for a ride. A ride that Bingle Bug takes entirely too much for granted.

The Characters
Thidwick is the last moose in line.

Bingle Bug, a Spider, a Zinn-a-zu Bird, Uncle is a woodpecker, Herman is a squirrel, a Bobcat, a Turtle, a Fox, Mice, Fleas, a Bear, and some Bees.

The Cover and Title
The cover has a vibrant turquoise background with a black-and-white illustration of a moose amongst the foliage and a sign stretched between his antlers providing the title. His name is in a rusty orange (as is the author's name) with the rest of the title in the same turquoise.

The title is his downfall, for Thidwick the Big Hearted Moose simply cannot say no.

This book is great don't get me wrong. The only reason I said "Hate it" is because I hate the store. It is not even worth my time or money at this point. I downloaded The Lorax last night. Read all the way through it. Now this morning I am trying to read it again and wouldn't ya know it, its apparently not compatible with my device any more. Hmm.. weird since it was perfectly compatible last night? I needed this for a school project, now I've wasted even more money with the store. Thanks again.

An environmental protest against greed, for "unless someone like you…cares a whole awful lot…nothing is going to get better… It's not".

My Take
Seuss has such a beautiful rhythm with his words, those made-up words, that tell us so much. The objects in his world are such fun what with butterfly milk, rippulous, marvelous, snergelly hose. It’s all an invitation to sing-song and read. Definitely a story good for cheering you up however your day went. And a good opportunity to talk about taking care of the earth.

Ooh, a nasty look at how man just has to destroy when the Once-ler chops down that Truffula Tree. The need to grow bigger and bigger and make more and more money.

The illustrations are colorful in a soft sort of way with most of them having a night sort of feel.

It’s the perfect book for parents who want their children to be aware of the earth and its need for protection. For humanity being responsible for what they do to their environment.

The Story
Those silky soft tufts give Once-ler ideas. How can he not use them to make his fortune?

And why not sell Thneeds when there’s a sucker born every minute?

The Characters
The Lorax is the Truffula Tree guardian and spokeslorax for the Bar-ba-loots who eat Truffula Fruit. The Swomee-Swans are susceptible to smoke. The Humming-Fish need clear water to hum.

The Once-ler is a man who sees an opportunity for business and lets nothing stop him.

The Cover and Title
The cover is a bright sky blue with a narrow band of bright green grass and four tufty Truffula Trees. And one lone stump holding a worried looking Lorax.

The title is our conscience, The Lorax. Or Gaea!

In The Lorax, written by popular children's author Dr. Seuss, the author discretely aims to inform young readers about the effects of environmentalism and the logging industry. In this story, a young boy ventures out of town and learns of a company that mass produced Thneeds from the tops of the truffula trees. On the surface, this doesn't seem so bad. Everyone needs a thneed! However, so many people want to buy a Thneed, that the truffula trees all get cut down. The Lorax speaks for the trees and the animals, but when they are all gone, there is no need for the Lorax to stick around. After hearing the story of the the Lorax and his truffula trees, the boy receives the last seed and is challenged to make it better: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing's going to get better, it's not."
I would recommend this book to all people, young and old. It is easy to read through this book and enjoy the colorful pictures, fun names, and catchy rhymes; but if you read closely, you will see that this story targets environmentalism and cutting down all of the trees. Kids will enjoy this story and adults will be challenged to care "a whole awful lot" because otherwise "nothing's going to get better, it's not".

This review consists of three parts: 1. My son's review (5 years old), 2. My daughter's review, and 3. My review (the Mom). These are excerpts from the full review. To see the whole thing, please visit us at our website :)

DAUGHTER SAYS:

What I liked and disliked about it: I liked the funny, interesting names like Lorax and Once-ler. I liked the Truffula trees - they look like long stumps with hair. I didn't like that the Once-ler was cutting the trees because the trees were pretty. The end was good because the Once-ler learned his lesson and felt bad about cutting down the trees. I liked how the Once-ler used the word "biggering" to talk about how his Thneed company was growing. I felt sad when all the trees and animals were gone and I hope that with one seed, it can all come back.

I didn't like how the Once-ler was talking to the Lorax. I think I'm getting too old for Dr. Seuss books because the stories are too short; but I still like watching the movies.

My bottom line: I think littler kids like kindergarten kids and maybe kids in Grades 1 and 2 would like this book, but I still liked it.

SON SAYS:

What I liked and disliked about it: I really liked the Thneeds and how he made a whole shop of Thneeds - I really want a Thneed! I would use it as a pillow, or blanket, or a chair, or a couch, or a house, or as a rope to catch someone bad. I like how the Lorax just popped out of the tree stump, but he was bossy and mad. The Truffula trees were funny and cool. It didn't bother me that the trees were getting cut because it was making Thneeds and I liked how the Once-ler's stuff had the words "Once-ler" on it like his wagon and store. The Bar-ba-loots were funny with the way they climbed trees and ate berries. I liked how the city looked like when none of the Truffula trees were cut down. I also liked the telephone that the Once-ler dropped out of his house to talk to the little boy. I could use one of those to talk to my sister. I like the Once-ler's house and how you use ladders to get to another floor. I really like the cover and the drawings of the city.

I didn't like it when the Once-ler said "Shut up!" and when he called him "stupid".

My bottom line: I think every kid in my kindergarten class would LOVE this book. I can't wait to see the movie.

MOM SAYS:

What I liked and disliked about it: I thought I had read every Dr. Seuss book as a child. Well, I must admit that I don't remember reading the Lorax. Perhaps it might have gone right over my head (as may be somewhat evident by my kids' reviews - did my son REALLY say he wanted a Thneed!? Sigh...) I LOVED this book! As I was reading it, all I was thinking is that this is a simple story with such a strong message.

The illustrations of the Truffula trees and all the critters make you fall in love with this fantasy world. These images stand in stark contrast to the grey, drab, stripped-down environment pictured at the beginning and end of the book. The story effectively shows the deterioriation of the environment as the Once-ler gets greedier and greedier (love the use of the term "biggering" to describe his increasing greed). We turn pages to see less and less trees as the story progresses. We witness the migration of the Bar-ba-loots who rely on the berries of the Truffula tree. We are incredulous as the Once-ler turns a blind eye to the Swomee-Swans who cannot breathe with the smog created by the factory. We are saddened when the Humming-Fish must "walk on their fins" as their pond becomes inhabitable. But none of this compares to that final moment when the last Truffula tree is felled and the Lorax takes his leave.

But, thankfully we are not left hanging, Dr. Seuss delivers us hope at the very end. Oh, so well done!! Bravo, Dr. Seuss, bravo.

As mentioned above by my children, the Once-ler's treatment of the Lorax is pretty harsh and some of the language is quite strong. However, compared to the dialogue that occurs in real life between greedy corporations and environmental groups, I find this language quite tame and relatively respectful. Ok, it's quite disrespectful, but the idea is that the Once-ler is the villain so it just makes him that much more so when he's mean to that poor little Lorax.

My bottom line: I was pleasantly surprised by this book, but I'm a bit perplexed by what I should say for a recommendation. The message of the book clearly went over my pro-Thneed son's five-year old head, but my eight year-old daughter felt that the book was a bit too simple for her. I LOVED it. I will recommend this book for 3 to 7 year olds but be prepared to really discuss the message in the book - - otherwise you may find yourself trolling ebay for a "Thneed".

I am 56 years old so I grew up with the earlier books by Dr. Seuss. I have a brother who is 8 years younger and I babysat as a teen so I thought I know most of Dr. Seuss's books but I had not even heard about The Lorax until I was given it as a present when my son was born in 1999 and wow! While there's nothing "wrong" with his other books, they are clearly for the very young and the appeal is the sing-song and nonsensical rhyming and colorful illustrations. It's a good way to introduce reading (or being read to) to very young children and that's great. But there's nothing remotely deep about most of Seuss's books. That was clearly not his intent. So when I first read The Lorax to my son, I was blown away. HE wasn't-he was maybe 2 and 1/2 or 3. But it is such a beautifully written book with a clear message that after reading it to him, I looked online as to why I had never heard of this title and came to find out that it was banned by many libraries and schools who felt that it sent a anti-paper industry message (and we can't be doing THAT, can we?) My personal take is that it sends a message of our shared responsibility for our environment and the potentially poor outcomes if we makes choices that may have short-term financial benefits, but ultimately prove to be, well, short-term with the potential for dire outcomes. My son certainly didn't take away an anti-corporate view and I didn't even try to explain that to him. But as the simpler Dr. Seuss books eventually gathered dust as he aged, we read The Lorax for many years. An absolutely beautifully written book with a message that is not (or should not) be construed as political but more as to how we should treat our world.
(and this is a message that should be banned? Not in my house.)

Dr. Seuss books are generally great for kids partly because they're visually interesting and partly because they are full of fun words that usually don't "feel" like they're trying to shoehorn Reading Skills into your little head, but then on top of all that, this book even has a good environmental message. You can see in the exaggerated consumerism and greed displayed by the Once-ler that using up the natural resources as if they're infinite will only result in tragedy. You can see in the frustrated defense of the Lorax that trying to be a voice for moderation and respect can easily be ignored in the face of fast and furious growth. And you can see a message of hope that presents itself as a cautionary tale but makes it very clear that there's no easy return from dead ends.

Truffula trees looked so colorful and merry and appealing that I was always reminded of cotton candy as a child, and the Thneeds that the Once-ler and his relatives made from them didn't really seem so useful as to require that many to be made. The book doesn't really give a balanced understanding of how business and use of natural resources can be used responsibly--implying that the only choices are to leave natural resources totally pristine or Steamroll Everything--so some people find it to be a little biased or one-dimensional. I disagree, since kids get that exaggerated points like these are not meant to demonize progress entirely, and I never had trouble understanding that it was the Once-ler's KIND of willy-nilly progress without thought to replenishment that was responsible for his industry's eventual doom. (Considering the huge number of copies of this book required plenty of trees to be killed, well, you know what I'm saying.)

We all know it's really important to help take care of our beautiful planet known as the earth. We recycle all of our paper, plastic and medal and keep our garbage from where other people live or visit. Even the weather in the sky is starting to grow stronger, while it gets more hotter and colder during the seasons. It's also important for all people to know about this situation, and for children, they'll learn about this from Dr.Seuss' environmental classic "The Lorax". While most of his books have a more cheerful and gentle tone, this particular book tackles a more serious issue while it perfectly brings it with a great story and illustrations.

It starts with a little boy outside from town where it's a complete wasteland and then stumbles onto a strange house which belongs to a outsider called the Once-ler. The Once-ler then tell the little boy that the wasteland was not always like this. So from a speaker, he tells of how this happen and how he created it. He begins the story of how was trying to find his living and discovers the beautiful Truffula forest and how he was inspired by it. So, he sets up a shop and instantly chop a tree down and created his invention called the Thneed. Suddenly, a orange creature with a moustache called the Lorax comes from the stump of the tree and is shocked by what the Once-ler has done. As the popularity of his Thneed soars, the Once-ler ignores the Lorax's warnings and nearly chops the whole forest down and turning the place into a dump. But when the Once-ler finally realises his mistake, can he manage to fix it?

It has a message that come clear as a bell, thanks to its Seussian format. I felt that it was trying to give its message by starting off in a good pace, then in the second part, it goes to a more darker and realistic tone and leaves you with a thought. There are a bit few moments when the story may surprise some young readers. But it will truly teach them to care for their environment while reading the story with Seuss' entertaining rhymes and illustrations. Because this earth is our home, and we should it treat it with love every day.

There are a lot of Dr. Seuss stories I've been vaguely familiar with, but have never read. I'm slowly trying to read my way through the Seuss canon and after seeing the trailer for the animated movie, THE LORAX, I decided that the next Seuss book I would read was THE LORAX.

In THE LORAX, a young boy who is curious about who the Lorax was and what happened to him makes his way to the edge of town to the decrepit home of the Once-ler. After paying the required fee, the Once-ler tells the boy of the story of the Lorax. The area surrounding where the Once-ler lives was once home to a massive and beautiful forest that was filled with Truffula trees. These trees were the thing the Once-ler was looking for to make a thing that everyone would need. So, he chopped one down and started making a Thneed, a thing that everyone would need. Not long after, the Lorax appeared. The Truffula trees could not speak for themselves and the Lorax was their voice. As guardian as not only of the Truffula trees, but of all the other creatures who live in the forest. The Lorax asks the Once-ler to stop, but the Once-ler ignores his pleas and begins chopping down more and more Truffula trees. The Lorax appears again and again and scolds the Once-ler for his actions, but it seems as all of his warnings are in vain. But, like the Grinch who stole Christmas (who looks an awful like the arms of a Once-ler), the Once-ler eventually has a change of heart, but not until after disaster strikes.

THE LORAX has been seized by the environmental movement as being a story against industrialism. That's not really the case. The story does have a very strong conservationist tone and it does seem to take a stance against clear-cut logging. However, the book doesn't seem to be in complete opposition to business and industry altogether; just the type that has such a narrow focus that it has no regard for anything outside of the profit margin.

I enjoyed THE LORAX. It's an entertaining book with a strong conservationist message. Like most Dr. Seuss tales, the story is filled with colorful and exotic drawings and there's plenty of crazy word-play. It's a book that both children and adults can enjoy together.

On a side note, THE LORAX is often talked about having been banned because of the negative view it gives the logging industry. This is untrue. THE LORAX has never been banned. In the late 1980s it was challenged by a school district in California to be demoted from the mandatory reading list to an optional selection. The challenge was denied and the book remained on the reading list. However, the ALA and other literary groups continue to list the book on their "Banned Book Week" lists even though the book has never been banned. So, THE LORAX is not a banned book.

If you're an adult, you might find the story of The Lorax a bit heavy-handed. Right away you get the idea that this is a cautionary tale about what we do to the world around us. To a child the message is spot-on: what you do without thought of others can cause harm to the world around you...but there is always hope, and that hope starts with you.

The Lorax is the tale of The Once-ler. The Once-ler tells you the story of how his barren, awful place once used to be growing, green and beautiful. As he looks towards the benefits of his booming new business and its factory, he loses sight of the reason he could build that factory: the plentiful natural resources all around him. The things he makes don't give back to the world and what he consumes to make them causes harm to the land and its creatures.

So why isn't this book called "The Once-ler?" Because even though The Once-ler is our storyteller, Dr. Seuss places the Lorax at the center of the story. Your child is drawn to see the world through the Lorax's eyes because the Lorax is a sentient creature who warns the Once-ler, time and again, that his actions are harmful: he is our conscience through this tale. Things build to a head until finally--too late--the Once-ler realizes that he has gone too far, and there is no going back.

As Dr. Seuss books go, this is one of the stronger messages. It's a good message, though--he has managed to show us the importance of our environment without having to fill us with guilt. Instead, the story ends with a message that if anyone pays attention to the world around them, they can, in their own small way, make a difference.

So... This book was written ages ago... I mean like 40 years ago... It is a classic... Yadda yadda yadda yeah yeah I know there are nay-sayers out there that will say this book is indoctrinating children into environmentalism .... And... SO what!! Really clear cutting is good... Please unless you happen to own stock in a lumber company no one wants that... Ok... Hoping off by soapbox.... Back to my review... I looooved this book! It teaches kids more than just to care about the environment... It also teaches them about respect ... When I taught the 3 year Sunday school this was the book they requested almost every week... Could it have had to do with the voices I did for the all the different characters... or the fact that all the kids LOVED reacting when the MEAN OL Onceler said "Shut up if you please" grin... but I loved this book as a kid and I'm PROUD to have given it to my nieces and nephews...

When reading The Lorax with a young child, she may get amusement out of the crazy pictures or even the eccentric wording used by Dr. Suess. Even though some of the sentences seem childish and unnecessary, there are still very important messages that are trying to be conveyed. Suess did a very good job when he incorporated important messages in his child-proof book.
It is clear that Suess was trying to convey to children the extreme environmental problems that were, and still are, taking place. A huge example of this would be the amount of changes that take place in the illustrations. At the beginning of the story, before the Once-ler destroys the land, all of the colors are vibrant and life seems to be flourishing. In my opinion, the bright colors of all the scenery was a great way to keep young readers attentive. However, not much farther into the story, all of the colors begin to change. The sky becomes very dark with tons of what seems to be smoke in the sky. These are all obvious signs of pollution, even when children read this book they will be able to point this out. The animals, who once seemed happy, now look malnourished and extremely depressed. Everything about the environment has changed. As the Lorax talks to the Once-ler, he explains that in order for the Swoomee-Swans to survive they must “escape from the smog you’ve smogged up around here” (Suess). When I read this book with my friend’s younger sister, she seemed to get upset when all the animals started to go away. After this experience I asked her, “Why did this make you so upset?” The summary of her answer was that the animals did not do anything wrong, so she saw no reason for them to leave their home. For this, I praise Suess. He has made countless children question why animals are the ones to suffer when they had no part in the destruction. Kids will be able to take this question with them throughout their life, since environmental problems are far from going away.
The Lorax also does a great job in tackling the concept of greed. It is very clear that the Once-ler has made plenty of money with the mention of them “making Thneeds four times as fast as before” or when the Lorax “knocked on his new office door” (Suess). Even though he has more money than he will ever need, this does not stop him from chopping down all the trees around him. The Once-ler even says, “Business is business! And business must grow…” (Suess). He has absolutely no regard for the destruction he is causing, simply because he is blinded by money. I think this concept may go over the heads of some kids that read the book. However, now that I am much older, I understand the point Seuss was trying to make. This relates almost perfectly to what goes on today. The world we live in seems to revolve around money. Sadly, it is not uncommon for someone or something to get destroyed in order for another to prosper. Seuss recognized this, he knew many children would not understand this concept. However, most times kids do not read books by themselves. I believe Seuss added this specific theme in for the adult reading to see. Whether they took it seriously or not, it will be in the back of their minds when a similar situation arises.
While reading The Lorax what stands out the most is the use of completely ridiculous language. In my opinion, this was a perfect way to keep kids intrigued throughout the entirety of the book. This is important due to the fact that The Lorax is somewhat longer than the average children’s book. Seuss also uses a couplet rhyme scheme. This helps create a certain type of flow which makes it much easier for him to communicate his ideas to the reader.
Equally as important, is the point that anyone can make a difference in the world. Whenever I hear people or kids talk about the book I notice this is almost always overlooked. After the boy listens to the Once-ler’s story he is given the last Truffula seed. With this he has the power to bring back the trees, the animals, and the entire environment. To me, for a child to understand how important one person can be is crucial. In today’s society kids are often bullied and have very low self-esteem, which will result in them thinking they have very little impact on society as a whole. Even though this theme is overlooked, I still believe it is a very important aspect in the book.
Overall, I enjoyed every part of The Lorax, and I think it is a fantastic book that all children should get the opportunity to read. It turns the normal simplicity of a children’s book into something with deeper meaning and complexity. The topic of environmental destruction is covered thoroughly in a way that children will understand it. Kids are the only hope we have to save our environment, and Seuss knew that. The consequences of greed and how destructive it can be are some ideas that Seuss writes about. The last small theme in The Lorax is how important one person can be. “UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” (Suess). This final quote sums up the book perfectly. The Lorax is a book I believe all children should read. While it contains humor and ridiculous wording, it also teaches important lessons that should be instilled at an early age.

I know this is one of those books you read growing up and not as an adult (unless you're reading it to a young `un) but I missed out on this and wanted to find out what it was about.

Well, a creature called the Once-ler (you only see his green arms) comes to a verdant land of trees, fruit, and creatures, and begins chopping down trees to make his "thneeds", awful clothes made from the trees' tops. The Lorax appears to warn the Once-ler of the dangers of what he is doing but the Once-ler is making too much money to care. Soon all of trees are gone and so is the wildlife. This once thriving environment is now a desolate wasteland.

I think the message is a fine one - protect our forests! Stop de-logging the the store! (it's not really that specific but you get the idea). The only thing I was disappointed by was the Lorax himself (itself?). The Lorax doesn't seem to do anything other than wag his finger and then in the end he disappears. Hmm. Not much of a character is he? Just seems to be a walrus faced gopher who, instead of doing something positive, just seems to want to complain so he has the moral high ground.

Anyway, as with all Dr Seuss books it's got a fun rhyming scheme and a great message so that the book is enjoyable even for a grown-up like me. A kids' book with a conscience - just not a great main character.

Dear Potential Reader,
In our opinion, you should read and purchase the Lorax. You should purchase the Lorax because it has great illustrations. The great illustrations will help hold the attention of younger children. The illustrations show the emotions of the characters from happy to sad. Lastly, the illustrations help provide a mind movie in your head. That is why you should read the Lorax because it has amazing illustrations.
You should also read the Lorax because it teaches you important lessons. It teaches you to not be selfish. Also it teaches you to care for others. In addition, it teaches you how to be balanced. You must also plant trees if you cut some down. That is why you should read the Lorax because all it teaches you.
As you can see, you should read and purchase the Lorax. It has so much to teach you and beautiful illustrations. It has valuable life lessons. Have fun reading!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Hagen’s 2nd Grade Class

Seuss, D. (1971). The Lorax. New York: Random House.

ISBN: 978-0394823379

AU Library Call Number: PZ8.3.G276 Lo 1971

Genre: Picture Book

Social Issues: Capitalism; Understanding the Impact of our Actions; Value of the Environment

The Lorax is a children’s book by Dr. Seuss, which follows a boy living in a polluted area in his visit to a man named the Once-ler to learn about the tale of the Lorax. The Once-ler tells the boy about how he once lived in a beautiful valley filled with many Truffula trees and animals – the kind of land he had been searching his whole life to find. Ecstatic, he chops one tree down and uses its foliage to make a Thneed, but he is interrupted by the “speaker of the trees,” the Lorax, who disapproves of the Once-ler’s use of the resource. He warns the Once-ler not to cut down any more trees, but the Once-ler doesn’t listen and creates a business making and selling Thneeds anyway. His business soon grows incredibly, and eventually he needs a factory, filled with lots of workers and advanced equipment to help mass produce the Thneeds. At this moment, the Lorax appears again to the Once-ler, warning him of the adverse affects his business is having on the environment. For example, the animals are running out of food and have to move away, while the air and water are also being heavily polluted. But, the Once-ler says he doesn’t care and that he will continue grow his company anyway. At this moment, the last Truffula tree is cut down, and the Once-ler’s entire business is diminished. The Lorax is saddened and quietly disappears into the polluted air causing the Once-ler isolates himself from society in shame. The story closes with the Once-ler giving the boy the last Truffula seed and urging him to grow a forest to help the Lorax, the animals and the beautiful trees return once again.

The Lorax makes a lot of references towards the dark side of capitalism. Even though the Once-ler is destroying the environment, he continues to cut down Truffula trees in order to make Thneeds. Why? Simply because they are a highly desirable consumer product. Although the Lorax warns the Once-ler of what he is doing, the Once-ler says he wants to keep growing his business anyway because it is doing so well. He doesn’t care about the environment or the animals at all, but only about profiting from the sale of Thneeds. On that note, the book also strongly conveys a message about the destructive way that humans interact with the environment. The Once-ler and his workers are much like humans, and the Truffula tree forest is much like the environment. When humans find resources that can be profitable in the environment, we greedily take advantage of them without thinking about the long-term consequences (i.e., the destruction of the the store rainforest to make furniture). Much like humans, the Once-ler doesn’t recognize the impact of his actions and how he is harming the environment. He doesn’t realize that he is destroying the forest and polluting the air and the ocean – he just continues to do whatever he wants without thinking about the impact on the environment. It is in this message that the lesson of understanding our actions’ impacts are also made clear. This idea is reemphasized at the end of the book, when the Once-ler gives the last Truffula seed to the boy. He tries to explain to the boy that by planting and nurturing the Truffula seed, his actions can make a huge difference. All it takes is the actions of one boy to help create a wave of change; just like all it took were the actions of one Once-ler to help destroy the forest.

This book is part of the Larissa Gerstel Collection at American University located at: [...]

"The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss is an entertaining, but serious book. The Lorax is a very caring creature who cares deeply about the environment. The Once-ler on the other hand is two timing and only cares deeply about money. The main character, The Once-ler decides to open a factory. He cuts down a tree and The Lorax pops out. He warns the Once-ler that he is destroying the environment around him. The story is set as the Once-ler retells a young man his story from the top of a dark and dank tower that he never comes out of. The tower is located on the outskirts of a very desolate and barren town, and there is no living thing in sight. Although this story is fiction it still sends a very strong message about the environment. Many other books written by Dr. Seuss were meant only to be funny or clever; "The Lorax" is different. It sends a strong message about what we do to the environment that even little kids can interoperate. Dr. Seuss made words and pictures come alive in his stories, but he has never painted a more serious picture in our minds then he did in "The Lorax." The morale of his story is dead serious and can even be used in this day and age. Other authors can drown you in facts about the environment and bore you to death. Dr. Seuss sends the same message that those authors want to send but in a form that kids can interoperate and that adults can enjoy reading. I was floored by how well Dr. Seuss sent the message across to me. The morale of the story is that unless someone cares and fights for what is right the world's environment could be destroyed. Dr. Seuss truly out did himself in this story.

It is far from his best known work, but The Lorax could be the best thing Dr. Seuss wrote. It is a story about the evils of corporate greed and the importance of saving the environment as the Lorax, a mysterious creature who "speaks for the trees", constantly tries to prevent the Onceler from chopping down all of the Truffula trees (which, in turn, causes all of the birds and fish and other creatures to go away).

This is a favorite of mine (with Oh the Places You'll Go!) but I have kept it from my daughter, who only just turned 3, for fear that it is too dark. The opening pages are very gloomy and scary, showing the world that is left after the Onceler has driven away all the beauty. But the ending is happy as the little boy is given the last of the Truffula seeds to go and replant the forest. Just recently I started reading it to my daughter.

She absolutely loves it. We've read it every night this week. She gets the idea that the Onceler man cuts down all the trees because he wants all the money, and that's not good, and that the animals have to go away because there's too much smog in the air and goop in the water. And she just loves that the little boy gets the Truffula seed, she even talks about it over breakfast.

The writing is also outstanding. This is a larger book, and you won't find any of the simplistic rhyming and repetition of Cat in the Hat, or Green Eggs and Ham. There are rhymes aplenty, of course, but the story is told in much more of a narrative style. There is actually a plot, with buildup and climax and resolution and everything. This is a real book, people, not something that you'll memorize after the fifth reading.

Highly recommended, for when your kids can handle it. As I said, I'm surprised at 3 that my daughter likes it.

If I had to think of a book that impacted me as a child, and yet was SF/F, I would say Dr. Seuss‘s The Lorax (and yes, in my book this counts as fantasy as it has fantastical elements). When I first read The Lorax at age 4, it scared me. I had nightmares about all the trees on our planet dying, and the Earth being swallowed up by pollution monsters until everyone died. With the book’s reminder, Unless, I vowed to do more to help the planet.
It was published in 1971 during a time when going green meant almost nothing. Some people cared about the environment, but not enough. You can read the entire review on my website (see my profile for the link).
It's an excellent reminder of why we must continue to care about our home, our Earth.

This is one of my favorite Seuss books. The lesson is teaches is timeless. You are a person no matter who you are or the size you are. Most children can identify with this book. I have found it to be an most enjoyable book to share with young people in small groups. I have read it to my children, grandchildren and will be reading it soon to my newest great which makes me happy. Dr. Seuss writes for the ages and long may he be read by children both old and young everywhere. Absolutely great book.

Others have commented on the power and appeal of this allegory. I'd like to point out a few details.
The Lorax is obviously a metaphor for the Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) of the North American Pacific Northwest coastal fir and redwood forest. Its body shape, stance, and function as an indicator species are true. The NSO depends mostly on a couple of prey species: a wood vole and a red flying sqirrel. In the story, they're the Brown Barbaloots and the Lorax is "in charge" of their lives in the Truffula forest. In real life, they'd overpopulate and starve without the NSO's regulatory predation. The vole's favorite food is the North American truffle, which only grows well in the root systems of climax (mature, ancient) forests. (Get it? Truffle trees.) The Humming Fish of the story could represent any of several fish species which spawn in the shady streams of these old forests, and can't reproduce when the shade trees are removed. Probably brown trout or Sockeye salmon.
This is all classic population biology now (See "A Conservation Plan for the NSO" by the USFWS, USDA-FS, and USPS, 1991), but when _The Lorax_ was written it was still unpublished, active research. *How did Theodore Geisel know?*
BTW, the Once-ler is Charles Hurwitz.
The little kid trusted with the very last seed is you and I.

I remember my grandmother reading this book to me as a child. I was so fascinated by the unique characters and the beauty of the book. I was also a bit scared of the Once-ler who is the greedy character in the story. All you ever see of him are his long, skinny green arms and on 1 page his eyes peeking through a boarded up window which leaves it up to the readers imagination as to what this "creature" looks like. I think this was part of the appeal.

I now have a 6-year-old boy who is an avid reader like myself and our favorite part of the day is story time. I bought this book for him a few years back knowing that I would need to wait until he was older to read it before he could really grasp the story line. When he was 5 I decided to read it to him. We did read the entire book but when I was finished, he told me that he didn't like the Once-ler and thought he was scary. I put the book up and didn't pull it out until a year later when he asked me to read it. Now he just asks me why they don't show what the Once-ler looks like and I tell him because the Once-ler represents all of us or what could happen to us if we let greed take over. It is incredibly sad and I have to fight back tears every time I read it! (But that's me, I cry when I read "the Giving Tree" too.) But Dr. Suess leaves the reader with a message of hope and reminds us that it's our responsibility to protect our precious environment. This book is timeless and a wonderful way for kids to see the impact that pollution and even deforestation have on animals/nature. It is my favorite Seuss book and the message has stayed with me throughout my life.

In an imaginary town on the Street of the Lifted Lorax, the main character (a young boy) wanders to the house of the Once-ler to find out about the Lorax. "What was the Lorax?" he asks. After receiving payment, the Once-ler tells the tale of the Lorax to the boy.
While traveling many years ago, the Once-ler came to a place full of Truffula Trees and various creatures. He decided to settle down and start a business. The Once-ler chopped down the trees and made Thneeds, unusual articles of clothing with many uses. After the first tree was chopped down, a strange creature, the Lorax, mysteriously appeared to speak on behalf of the trees that did not want to be chopped down.
The Once-ler ignored the Lorax and expanded his business until not a single tree remained standing. Without trees, no more Thneeds could be made. The business shut down and the Lorax left without a word. However, the Lorax left one item behind - a pile of rocks with the word "Unless" on it. The Once-ler comes to realize the meaning of the message - "unless people change and take care of the Earth, life will not get better." He gives the boy a seed to plant.
With a young audience in mind, Dr. Seuss manages to illustrate the importance of taking action and caring for the environment. The rhythm and unique words keep readers' attention throughout the story. The book empowers children to believe that they can make a difference and improve the quality of life on Earth. What a great message to give younger people!

I grew up on Dr. Suess books(I even learned to read with one), and I think he is one of the greatest children's authors ever. His hypnotic phrasing and wonderful illustrations are enough to delight children and adults as well (my brothers and I still enjoy looking through our old Suess favorites). In my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to go with two other classmates to a local elementary school on a weekly basis to teach basic lessons on honesty, friendship, etc. When we taught our lesson on the environment, I brought "The Lorax" to read to the class. To my surprise, when I asked who in the class had read the story, only three out of the 28 students had. Many looked skeptical, thinking it was a little kid's book, but once I started reading, the entire class was mesmerized. After I was finished with the story, we had the most lively question-and-answer session that we had ever had-the story really hit home with the kids and brought our planet'! s ecological crisis into terms that they could understand. Afterward, many of the children asked where they could get a copy of "The Lorax". Thank you to Dr. Suess for a masterpiece of children's literature!

Children used to Dr. Seuss' lighthearted, whimsical stories filled with wacky names and places will undoubtedly perceive a vast difference with "The Lorax". It still contains the wacky names, places, and rhymes, so characteristic of Seuss, but with one blatant overtone. This story goes all out to show the devestating consequences of human greed, and what can happen to the environment when humans misuse and take advantage of nature and natural resources.
The story begins when a boy comes to the home of a peculair creature called Once-ler. The boy wants to know about something called the Lorax; "what it was", and "why it was there". After paying the Once-ler a small fee, he narrates the story for the boy. The pictures incorperated into the story are also poignant; for, as we see in the beginning, the small town in which the Once-ler lives is very grey and barren.
However, as the Once-ler begins his story, the pictures become brighter, more cheerful, and colorful, as we see how the town once looked, long, long ago. There were animals, birds, green grass ... and trees!
The Once-ler says, "I came to this glorious place. And I first saw the trees. The Truffula trees". Transfixed by these trees, the Once-ler cuts one down to make a "Thneed". Now, a Thneed is supposed to be a useful thing, which people can find many uses for. Shortly after the first tree is cut down, the Lorax appears. He explains that he talks on behalf of the trees, because the trees cannot talk for themselves. "They have no tongues".
The Lorax is very upset at what the Once-ler has done. But the Once-ler ignores him, and continues to cut down the trees to make Thneeds, until all the trees have been cut down. This action, of cutting down the trees, building a factory to make the thneeds, and releasing waste residue into the water is greatly illustrated in the pictures, showing the cause and effect of polluting the environment.
Eventually the pictures return to the grey, morbid colors we see in the beginning. The Lorax has had to make all the birds, animals and fish leave the town before they die of hunger and starvation, and before they choke to death on all the smog generated by the Once-ler's factory.
As we can clearly see in "The Lorax", Dr. Seuss is making a very defined political statement about how humans have manipulated and destroyed our natural surroundings for their own personal greed. "The Lorax" was written in 1971, in the hayday of environmental activism, and one year after the first Earth Day.
Still, Dr. Suess does not make this story into a gloomy one. He gives us hope. The Once-ler tosses down a seed to the boy; the one last remaining Truffula seed. With this one seed, Dr. Seuss tells us the possiblities are endless, and hope is not lost.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a Children's book that tells a story to explain the possible negative effects of industrializing to fast and in particular its affect on the environment. The story begins when a young boy ask the once-ler what happened to the Lorax. The Once-ler then tells a story of him cutting down truffula trees for profit, and the negative effects it had on the environment. Dr. Seuss does a wonderful job relaying his message without being offensive - although loggers took offense and made a parody of the book; the truax. The story is very blunt as far as double meaning goes and the overall message, for it doesn't take much effort to understand the different elements that depict the message. The trees are trees, the swans and fish are the animals affected by the deforestation, and the once-ler, whom you never see the face of, is the "face-less" head of industry. Dr. Seuss's argument against deforestation is structured, as it moves easily from one idea to the next. Once reading the Lorax I would suggest reading the Truax, the parody, to see both sides of the issue and gain greater understanding of how the lorax can be interpreted. It is my opinion that anyone of any age would find the Lorax enjoyable to read.

Another classic by Dr Seuss. I received mines today and read it before my son came home from school. Another great addition to his Dr Seuss collection. The only flaw was that there was a tear on the bottom right hand corner of the book when I received it.( Thus the rating being 4 stars instead of 5) I put up a picture of the tear but I can't return it, as my son was waiting for it to read to his class.

The Lorax is a story developed by Theodore Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) that delivers an insightful message into the dark world logging's repercussions. It constantly makes points regarding pollution and deforestation. This resulted in the complete annihilation of natural resources and the eradication of animal habitats.
The story is about a manufacturer, called the Once-ler, who is responsible for the destruction of all of the trees in the land. A child goes to the Once-ler to hear the story of how the Truffula trees were destroyed. The Once-ler came to a land with Truffula trees. He then decided to cut them down to produce Thneeds, which represent the multiple uses for industrialization. The Lorax appeared and started to plead on behalf of the weaken creatures that the Once-ler would stop cutting down trees. The Once-ler refused and this led to the termination of all trees. In the end, the child listening to his story is given a Truffula seed, which gives him the opportunity to revive the Truffula forest. It shows the negative impact of deforestation on the environment. The story is interwoven with colorful graphics that appeal to children while simultaneously conveying an anti-deforestation message. This message was created in response to the increasingly concerning industrialization of American economy. The logging industry played a major role in this issue, and this narrative directly attacks how they go about obtaining the materials to manufacture goods. It allows the reader to gain insight into the logging industry's over-logging and its repercussions by utilizing relatable characters in order to help us understand the issue better. This is effective because parents reading the books can see the message clearly, and the children relate to the characters in a way that will subconsciously develop their comprehension of the dilemma.
This book displays an astonishing message that helps us fathom the true depth of industrialization and its destruction to our ecosystem. This book is perfect for young children by inspiring them to make a difference in the world regarding this issue. This seems to be Seuss's message in his final quote: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better - it's not."

Dr. Seuss is known for his amusing children's books. The Lorax is my favorite book because it has good ideas such as the names of the trees, fruit, and little animals. The trees are called Truffula trees, the fruit is called Truffula fruit, and the little animals are called Brown Bar-Ba-Loots. Also the Lorax never gets shown and they never show his face in the story. He talks through a hose at the top of a building were no one ever went.

Dr. Seuss has many enjoyable books but the one I like the most is The Lorax. I like this book the most because it has really superior sentence fluency. The story flows really nicely and I don't get stuck on any parts. Also it has excellent voice. It seems like each character has different voice. The book The Lorax has high-quality Idea's, voice, and sentence fluency.

Dr. Seuss writes extremely pleasant children's books that are very creative. The problem in this story is that the Lorax is cutting all the Tuffula trees. The Lorax builds a factory and it factory is polluting the air so the birds have to leave. Then the factory is polluting the water so the fish have to leave. And once all the animals have to leave a little man comes and yells at The Lorax. So I think this story is good for all ages and genders of kids it is a really good book. I thought the book was interesting there were very great ideas. I think all the kids out there that like to read and even the ones that don't should check this book out and read it!!!!!!!!

I bought this book 39 years ago at a church sale when I was 6 years old--yes, I used my own money! I loved it then and I love it now. The illustrations are a hoot--seeing one critter after another move into poor Thidwick's horns has always made me laugh. And, I like to think of myself as a nice guy too and a moral fellow, just like poor Thidwick. So, the lesson of seeing people take advantage of one's good nature has served me as I've gone through life. In college I majored in Political Philosophy and I thought of this book then. The lesson for me was--Bad people will use your morality against you while themselves being unaccountable. Bad people will break the law all the time, but if a good person breaks the law...listen to them scream! And of course, poor Thidwick will do anything to keep from breaking the law (in this case the law of hospitality), even starve to death or be shot by trophy hunters, rather than eject his "guests." The law has been distorted and perverted in Thidwick's case. His immoral guests remind Thidwick that if he's to be a good host then Thidwick must cater to their needs. They don't / won't consider Thidwick's needs. The ungrateful guests seem offended that they might have some responsibility for Thidwick's suffering. Years later when I read a book by Ayn Rand, I thought of Thidwick during several passages. But this is most importantly a children's book that children love! My 4 year old son picks this book to have me read it to him regularly. If he didn't like it, what would it matter that his dad likes it so much!

The Lorax, believe it or not, is the first Dr. Seuss book I ever bought, let alone read. That happened at the tender age of 24.

You read that right, it took me 24 years to read my first Dr. Seuss book. Yet, in some respects I'm glad I waited so long. Yes, Seuss is for the kids, what with the glorious pictures, the perfectly rhyming words, and lest we forget the colorful vocabulary, all of this sparks interest from children. Where I am most impressed is how he so expertly puts lessons into each story. And that is where The Lorax inspires me most.

The Lorax deals with the most pivotal problems we're dealing with at this point, dwindling forests and more pollution. These are heavy topics for adults, let alone kids, but the way he presents the story is approachable, understandable, and accessible. He doesn't dumb down the message either, he wants you to realize that it starts with you.

I think that the picture of the stump with the word 'Unless' on it is probably the most beautiful thing I've ever seen because until he tells us why it says that, we don't know. But when we find out it makes perfect sense. I believe that's why Dr. Seuss has become this author that children and adults both hold so close to them. He tackled important topics in a meaningful way. A way everyone, no matter the age, can relate to.

Thidwick's adventure begins simply enough. He is marching along on the shores of Lake Winna-Bango, on the far northern shore, looking for moose-moss to eat with 60 other moose. A small Bingle Bug nicely asks Thidwick for a ride "for a way." Thickwick replies, "I'm happy to share!" Most of us would have said the same.
But what happens when a guest overstays her or his welcome? In Thidwick's case, his horns become a veritable zoo of wildlife. There is a Tree-Spider spinning a web, a Zinn-a-zu Bird who gets married and builds a nest, and their uncle the woodpecker who pecks holes the squirrel family inhabits. And so on it goes, to include a bobcat, turtle, fox, mice, fleas, a big bear . . . and 362 bees!
Thidwick is like the horse in Animal Farm. He's providing all of the work and benefit, and everyone is bossing him around. Why, they won't even agree to let him leave with the other moose to find more moose moss. Why is Thidwick willing to put up with this? What are the benefits of having a big heart in this situation?
How does Thidwick end up in this mess? Well, having accepted the Bingle Bug, the subsequent guests ignore Thidwick and ask the earlier guests instead if they can move in. Thidwick honors his first commitment, extends it in time and to the new inhabitants.
As a result of Thidwick's dilemma, this book provides a good opportunity to discuss sharing with your child . . . and explain the benefits and limits of sharing.
Your child will run into people who will try to take advantage. This gives you a chance to ask your child what he or she would do in Thidwick's situation.
The story's resolution is a most original and humorous one that makes good use of the mental picture of shedding your onorous burdens.
This story is illustrated by Dr. Seuss, as well as written in his best rhyming way. The drawings of the creatures in Thidwick's horns come close to matching many of Dr. Seuss's most imaginative mechanical devices. The horns of this dilemma are funnier than those devices, because this concoction is based on animals and natural processes.
The story is a pretty easy one for five to six year olds to learn to read, because many of the words are short and rhyme. The illustrations also "name" many of the nouns. The humor provides "hooks" for memorizing the words.
I also liked the idea of introducing children to the concept of treating a guest well, even if the guest does not behave well. Our society would be much improved if we all did a little more friendly hosting.
After you finish enjoying this story, ask your child if she or he knows of anyone who is like Thidwick. Ask your child what that person should do differently.
Enjoy having a big heart . . . and hosting others!

I have read this book to all my kids. It teaches a valuable lesson -- just because a lot of people disagree with you doesn't make them right and you wrong. The book teaches this lesson in a humorous way. It is a lesson that all kids should learn before they face all the peer pressure that they will naturally run into during middle school and high school. If this book was read by more parents, my guess is that we would have a few less problems in society.

The couple critical reviews either focus on the condition of the book that they received or that that they were upset that there was hunting at the end of the story. If I bought the books from the store and not a third party as I suspect that particular customer did, I haven't had any problems with their books. As to the hunting, it was essentially to show that there were consequences to the actions for the animals who were taking advantage of the moose. Indeed, those actions almost caused the demise of the moose also. Second, I haven't had any problems discussing hunting with my kids as they have to understand anyway where our food comes from. At some point any child has to learn that the hamburgers that they eat come from cows. I really don't see the big deal about all this.

Along with the "Giving Tree", this is my favorite children's book. I have three children, currently ages 8 1/2, 5 and nearly 3. Over the last 5 years, I've probably read this book well over 100 times and each time it continues to spellbind both me and the children. I began reading this to my oldest when he was three. And while the underlying theme of the book is not understood by a 3 year, by the time he was five, he started asking questions about what the book was about and now he understands the incredibly important lesson that Dr. Seuss had for us. It is amazing to think how far ahead of its time the "Lorax" was for both the simple lessons it can impart on its young readers/listeners and the very important and critical lessons for its adult/parent readers.

It is a true treasure for both child and adult alike.

Dr. Seuss is one of the greatest children's authors of all times, from his rhymes, his stories, his colorful mind to his colorful pictures. The Lorax packs a powerful message between the pages of how mankind is effecting the environment. It seems sometimes the best way to get a point across is by using the simplest tool and Seuss has done it so well his book has been banned. I believe it's better that Seuss has got the point across now cause our children will be the ones to deal with this in the future. Here is another great read by Author Cressida Elias Gerry the Giraffe Learns Why it's Good to Share: In Color, Book 1 of The Safari Children's Books on Good Behavior

There is nothing subtle about the message of the Lorax. Allow greed and stupidity to run amok and environmental destruction is sure to follow.

This story deals with a very serious and timely topic. Most children, I suspect, will get that message loud and clear. This can only be a good thing.

Fortunately, Dr. Seuss offers a ray of hope at the end of the story so kids won't be left in tears. My young children, for example, were deeply moved by this book but walked away upbeat and hopeful.

Not only do I highly recommend this book to young children, I recommend it to every politician and CEO on the planet. Cleary, many of them still don't get it.

In light of how little we value our planet's biodiversity, this story becomes more important each day.

Buy The Lorax right now and read it to your children more than once.

--Guy P. Harrison, author of

Race and Reality: What Everyone Should Know About Our Biological Diversity

and

50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God

-

Seuss has constructed the starting point of the environmental movement. More than just a children's book, The Lorax provides the fundamental lessons about the finite nature of even 'renewable' resources, the interconnectedness of living things and the ultimate economic futility of thinking about nature as an infinitely capable resource provider.
The story is practically folklore, but to recount it briefly, the Onceler is a business owner that turns Trufula trees into Thneeds, despite the opposition of the Lorax. The Onceler continues to grow, impacting the wildlife until ultimately he destroys the trufula forest. The story ends on a positive note, as the Onceler tells readers that it doesn't have to be that way if they take care of the trees.
It's a simple message, but even hardened environmentalists can recite lines from it, suggesting it has long term appeal.

The message in this book about the impact of our actions on the environment is perhaps even more relevant in today's times than it was when it was written. Certainly, it is more urgent. The story and pictures are presented in a way that even the youngest of children can understand the message. The book is a great way to introduce children to the topic of taking responsibility for our actions, to the planet, and to all creatures. This book should be in every child's library and in every school.

I can't count how many times I've read this to my daughter, and she gets something new out of it each and every time. She asks a lot of questions, so the book has become a springboard for teaching her about caring for the earth and for others. Rather than being a "dark" message, as some other reviews have suggested, I think the book ends with a strong message of hope - the hope contained in the last remaining truffula seed. Even the Once-ler has some redemption in the end, learning that it's never too late to take action to right our wrongs.

This is such a great book for children. They may not get it the way that adults get it, but the wheels will eventually start turning in their tiny heads about what can happen in the world if Earth is not taken care of the way that it should be.

The story of the Lorax is great for kids and adults alike.
For adults: While Dr. Seuss's intent was to condemn the greed of industrialism and the detrimental effects it can have on the environment, we see this parable as a warning to us as families that we must have our compass set on true north. We need a determination to focus on those things which will preserve our families, our personal well-being and the well-being of our communities. If we lose our focus, we'll easily get sucked into the "biggering and biggering" world of progress, advertising, capitalism and keeping up with the neighbors -- and the end result will be the loss of the simple pleasures of life, love and family. Read The Lorax to your kids and yourself . . . and then ponder the application to your life.

For kids: It recounts the life of the inquisitive and industrious "Once-ler' who finds a place where the grass is green, the clouds are clean, and the land is full of Truffula trees. He discovers that the beautiful Truffula trees can be used to manufacture Thneeds -- an unusual type of sweater -- which everyone needs. As time goes on he builds a factory and produces more and more Thneeds. He increases production to meet demand, enlarges his factories and hires more employees . . . and eventually destroys the pristine countryside and all of the Truffula trees (except one tiny seed) with his desire to grow bigger and bigger. The Lorax speaks out for the trees and challenges us to care for our world. This book will teach children to consider the cost that over-producing can have on the environment.

Steve & Annette Economides - Authors of the NY Times Bestseller - "America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money: Your Guide to Living Better, Spending Less, and Cashing in on Your Dreams"
[...]

This is a children's book, but the points it make are applicable to all--regardless of age. While this book obviously was written to call need to the environment, I have used it to point out a greater truth. The crux of the book is in these few lines: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." These lines of course pertain to the environment, but they also are just as applicable to poverty, prejudice, social injustice and any number of other problems that plague our world. This book is delightful in its rhymes and pictures, but its message that apathy is not an option makes it a timeless classic.

Seuss, a former editorial caroonist, turns in a most compelling message with this parable about corporate greed and environmental destruction. Many adults remember this book from their childhoods, and I strongly suggest that they reread it every now and again. Seuss begins with a very engaging premise to draw the reader in - an old mysterious person locked in a tower in a ruined wastelend that will tell you a story if you ask carefully. The story he tells is of himself in the past, when he came to a thriving environment and set up shop exploiting the resources of the area. This draws the Jeremiads of the Lorax, who points out the ill consequences at every turn. The narrator ignores them, not out of ill will towards the environment but out of ignorance and the belief that he can do whatever he likes anyhow. In the end, the place is utterly destroyed and all its creatures leave, including the Loraz who departs with an infinite sadness on his face. The story sounds like a dark one, but somehow Seuss's whimsical rhymes and drawings make it more palatable, though it speaks harsh truths. The ending is superb and offers hope - a small boy is given the last seed of the disappeared trees, and asked to do what he can to renew the land. May we all do the same to the best of our abilities!

When I read a book I want it to be funny and informative. In the book "The Lorax"`you get both of them in one story. In the story you learn about these crazy animals with weird names. Like the main characters name in The Lorax. Even though this book is funny I also learned about two important lessons. In the story the onc-ler starts cutting down the truffala trees and not leaving any for the Lorax. The lesson they are teaching is to always leave some for otyher no matter what is. The second one is the onc-ler uses to cuts the truffala trees for business. The lesson it was teaching here is to only take what you need. This book is another great Dr. Seuss book that I think every kid should read.

Luke Z.

If you're suspicious of the book's theme, trust that neither of my sons, now ages 5 and 4, rise up out of the beds and declare war against American industry after a bedtime reading. They like the Barbaloots. They like the mossy voice I give the Lorax.

The message I share with them is not to waste natural resources. There's nothing wrong with cutting down a tree (it makes great books!) but plant a new one. There's nothing wrong with fishing and hunting but eat what you collect. I applaud Dr. Suess for reaching beyond his "Cat in the Hat" fare and offering up a deeper story.

Have extremists on both sides used the book for their cause? Sure. But I'm reviewing this book for the bedtime book audience who wants to know if this is appropriate for young children. The answer is yes, in fact it is.

This is a beautiful book with unforgettable characters and I hope it helps you teach your children to appreciate nature.

This is quite possibly my all time favorite children's book. My mother used to read this to me all the time when I was younger. Not only is it a fun book to read but it also has a really good meaning to it. You need to take care of the environment and not to let big industrialized business take over before it's too late and there is nothing left.

This book is about a boy who happens upon a rock that has the words "Unless" written on it. He then hears a story from the Once-ler about how the land used to be beautiful and alive with wild animals until his business took over and destroyed everything. The Lorax being the voice of reason and telling the Once-ler what he was doing. Finally the Lorax got fed up and left with all the others wild animals and left leaving the words Unless on the rock. The Once-ler tells the boy that the words Unless means that... Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better it's not.

I think it has a really good meaning behind it.

As I approached my 100th review, I wondered if I should make it special? Tonight I decided what it should be after reading it to my daughter.

The Lorax is one of those timeless books with an environmental message. As such it has been a target of derision from the conservative capitalist types.

Sometimes people read more then what is there. It is what you make of it. To me the message is that if you simply plunder the environment rather then manage it, there are consequences that you will pay. The biggest message is there is always hope and a chance to repair mistakes.

Could this be a tool to create environmentalists? It's possible. It is interesting that environmentalist seems to be a dirty word these days.

I don't "program" my girl as I simply read the story as it has a nice rhythm and it's always makes here nod off to sleep.

I have had questions. She once asked if she could go see a Brown Bar-ba-loot, a swamy swan and if we could get a humming fish for a pet!

It is a wonderful story that has been a favorite for two generations in this household.

As with the majority of my generation, I grew up on Dr. Seuss... There is no doubt that he was a great inspiration to me and that his work helped to fuel my passion for writing empowering children's books. The Lorax is a delicious pleasure to read aloud. In my humble opinion, this is the very best of Seuss. It rolls off your tongue with each savoring syllable. The Lorax stands apart because of the poignant message... This is where my inspiration from Seuss came to pass... packing such an important message for children into a vibrantly imaginative world of characters and scenery is where Seuss set the benchmark for my generation to strive. If you have not yet found this timeless classic... run, don't walk and meet the man who speaks for the trees...before this generation cuts them all down!!!

The Lorax is a brilliant tale of a man who yeilds to the perils of manufacturing beyond his world's capacity to produce raw materials to support his enterprise. This cautionary example is a perfect tool to instill values in children that can best be done in a tool such as The Lorax. Dr. Seuss was far ahead of his time, but The Lorax could not be any more timely today than it was when written.

Brian Weiner, CEO, The Illusion Factory and Author, Toad Catchers' Creek

The Lorax is one of my favorite Seuss books. Of all the Seuss books, it lends itself most nicely to dramatic reading for children. It is a story with a message that hits home in a personal way for the reader. On top of that, the artwork is among Dr Seuss' most beautiful.
The story is narrated by the "bad guy" of the story, the Once-ler. The Once-ler is a business man who comes to a beautiful land full of wonderful creatures and more importantly-at least as far as the Once-ler is concerned-truffula trees. The Once-ler starts chopping down the truffula trees so he can make their tufts into thneeeds (which everyone needs).
The Lorax is a small furry creature that springs from one of the truffula tufts. The Lorax, like a prophet of old, warns the Once-ler about the dangers of what he is doing. He stays with the Once-ler as the surrounding ecosystem falls apart and dies. The Lorax also leads the animals in his care to other lands where they can be safe from the tribulations caused by the Once-ler's greed. As the Once-ler's destruction of the area becomes almost complete, the Lorax literally lifts himself out of the situation-leaving only a stone engraved with one word: "UNLESS".
The story begins and ends years later. The Once-ler sits in his tower all alone; he is rich but saddened and remorseful. His narration begins when a traveler comes to visit him and ask him about the story of the "lifted Lorax". His narration, and the story, ends with the Once-ler explaining the "UNLESS" left on the stone. The Once-ler says that the "UNLESS" means that unless somebody cares a whole awful lot, the things that have gone wrong will never be put right. The Once-ler then gives his visitor the last truffula seed and says that what happens next is up to him.
Dr Seuss' message about the environment is both powerful and personal. I believe that both Seuss' condemnation of the way things are going and his call for deeper caring about the environment still ring true today. We need to heed that call in both words and deeds. We humans are called to be stewards of creation. However, I also believe that Seuss's book points to something else we should keep in mind. Romans 8:19-22 says:
"For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now."
Our failure as stewards probably has a lot to do with our fallen nature. We are not as God intends us to be. The only way that we, as fallen beings, can ever heed Dr. Seuss' eloquent call is through the grace and power of our merciful Creator who loves both the creature and the creation.
I recommend this book. Buy it, but don't just read it...think about it.

From my 7-year old:

Far from town every plant and animal isn't healthy. The only music at that spot is the singing of the crows. That is where the Lorax got lifted. The Onceler tells how it happened then gives you the last seed of them all to regrow the forest. What I don't like about the book: The spot where the Earth wasn't clean, because Earth is our only home; If we don't keep it clean, everything could die. What I do like: When Earth was clean, our environment was unique. It's the only planet with actual LIFE.

Thidwick is a moose who doesn't know how to say no. Over the course of the story he develops one hanger-on after another, each one making a home in Thidwick's big horns. Each is a taker, but when it comes time to give, the parasites become indignant. Eventually it gets to the point where it puts Thidwick's life in danger, and still the takers have no concern for Thidwick. Fortunately the hunters don't make a trophy of Thidwick, and Thidwick learns a valuable lesson.

Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose belongs next to The Lorax, the Grinch, and Yertle the Turtle as one of Seuss's finest and most entertaining morality tales. Although it hasn't yet achieved the iconic status of those other Seuss tales, this is among the six or seven best from among the entire Seuss catalog.

This is by far my absolute favorite Dr. Suess book of all time. Socially concious Suess wrote this book as a reminder that we have a responsibility to our planet and its inhabitants no matter how much we THINK we need the latest fad. The Once-ler tells this story from the perspective of someone who knows the damage that can be done and regrets his part in it terribly. I use this book as a teaching tool in my gifted classes every year because I think it carries such an important and potentially tragic message while still leaving a ray of hope that these situations can be corrected. This story simplifies a serious social issue in a way that only Suess can...and in a way that makes it easy for children to see what adults don't always pick up on. To be honest, I'd be lying if I told you that I didn't get a little choked up and misty every time I read the line, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Noone can argue with the simple truth that Suess provided us with in this book and that's what makes it so much more valuable than just some old children's book. Personally, I feel like a lot of adults would benefit from a good read-through of this one.

The Lorax is a wonderful story about how anyone can change the world if they just have a little faith in themselves. I really appreciate the line where Suess states "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to change, it's not."
Seuss was one of the most inspirational children's author. He taught and still to this day, teaches children many moral truths. He also helps them to think for themselves. Seuss is one of the greatest authors of all time and I recommend this book and his whole library to anyone who asks.

I finally own my second favorite Dr. Suess book and the kids love it! PLUS I use it as a teacher to teach about Author's purpose or about the environment! Wonderful read for all ages to be cute or funny too!

Every once in a long while, a children's book like "The Lorax" comes along and clearly teaches adults how our seemingly complex problems are rather easy to predict and solve. With lyrical prose and splashes of color, "The Lorax" artfully reveals how unsustainable economic policies (i.e., unrestrained greed) can potentially destroy a thriving and resilient environment. Mr. Geisel cleverly conceals ecological and conservation theories in phrases that children and adults can easily understand. You and your child will find yourselves finishing this book, and saying, "ahhh, yes, now I understand: you can't take more than what will grow back." This satisfying result is a sign of what all good science should be; that is, understandable to all who read the text and view the images. Despite our advanced technology and previous experiences with environmental degradation, I hope that you and your children will see that many of us are living the life of the Once-ler, either directly in our careers or indirectly as consumers. As the Once-ler discovered, we are not stewards of but rather participants in our declining environments. But Mr. Geisel dampens his dark images and tone to give the small boy, and hopefully our children, a way to turn back the tide of destruction. Your child will see that if the Once-ler can change, then anyone can change for the better. If that last truffula seed can lead to the growth of a new truffula forest and bring back the Lorax and his friends, then perhaps children and parents can assist with the regrowth and expansion of our own rapidly vanishing forests. In other words, perhaps the Lorax exists as a "truffula seed" in each and every one of us.

This book is amazing. It gets the message across to children that we must do something about the condition the planet's to improve it and keep it from getting any worse. The book also gets the message across of what a large-scale disaster corporations can cause through their destructive desire for money.

The thing I hate about pop environmentalism is that it's not often brought up about what the corporations are doing to trash our planet. All we hear is that WE should be doing something to save it and we should be doing something, but it is not just the consumer who should be doing this. It is also the manufacturer who should be working for change. There is a reason Dr. Seuss did not have the old once ler plant the last seed... Because the once ler still didn't care enough to do anything about the chaos he caused. I think the message here is that the corporations are the main problem here and that somebody has to care enough to create change, maybe at a large enough scale that the fatheads may be influenced. Yes, consumers trash the planet but not at a scale that corporations do. However, we ALL need to stop our trashing if we're going to get anywhere in improving our planet.

So, as consumers we should be focusing on things to improve the planet instead of buying into purchasing more things from corporations when they advertise their "Green" savings (Yes, those sales exist). Corporations are taking this pop environmentalism and turning into more bucks for them.. Thank you Dr. Seuss for creating writing with raw truth and knowledge in it.

Review by Sherry North, Author, Because You Are My Baby

While most Dr. Suess stories are pure fun without any heavy message, The Lorax delivers an extremely blunt lesson on ecology. What's amazing is that Dr. Suess does this with a narrative that is engaging, entertaining and ultimately inspiring. You might think a book with such a heavy message could be a turn-off to young children, but I have found the opposite. My preschoolers find this story absorbing. I think they understand there is something truly important at stake, so the book means more to them than other Dr. Suess titles.

Have you ever herd a story from someone you don't know. Well a boy in The Lorax did. That was the Once-ler how told the story. The Once-ler cuts down all the trees and ruins nature. The Lorax warns the Once-ler not to cut down the trees. Then the Lorax lifted away. The Once-ler is all alone. Then the Once-ler gives the boy a seed.
My favorite parts are when the Once-ler makes a thneed and then the last tree went... SMACK! I also liked when the Once-ler tells the story to the little boy. When the Lorax said that no one would bye that disgusting thneed I thought that was funny.
I recommend this book to young and old people because it has a lot of pickers for young children. Old people will like it because its fun and funny. If you want the book get it!!!

This is one of Dr. Seuss's more moralizing books.

Here's the funny thing. I like Dr. Seuss. I agree with the points he makes in most of his preachier books - The Lorax, The Butter Battle Book, The Sneetches, Yertle the Turtle. The message in this book (seriously, cutting down beautiful woodland for junk is a foolish idea) is a good and timely one.

And yet... I don't like the book that much. I think it's a little heavy-handed, and while I understand *why* it is heavy-handed (and maybe it needs to be), it just plain irritates me.

I took off half a star for that. I do have a copy of it, but it's for private reading, not reading aloud.

Currently our town is fighting a trillion $$$ company and its processing of sewage sludge (human waste) and industrial waste for crop fertilizer. This book was recommended to me. Dr.Suess wrote books on the environment for adults,but when the adults weren't reading the books he converted them for children.This book certainly fits in with what we are fighting in my town and region.

I love it! Maybe I didn't review the product closely enough, but I was delighted to find that my Grandnephew got HARD bound books that are able to withstand years of reading and re-reading. Well worth it! I love it!

"The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss is an entertaining, but serious book. The Lorax is a very caring creature who cares deeply about the environment. The Once-ler on the other hand is two timing and only cares deeply about money. The main character, The Once-ler decides to open a factory. He cuts down a tree and The Lorax pops out. He warns the Once-ler that he is destroying the environment around him. The story is set as the Once-ler retells a young man his story from the top of a dark and dank tower that he never comes out of. The tower is located on the outskirts of a very desolate and barren town, and there is no living thing in sight. Although this story is fiction it still sends a very strong message about the environment. Many other books written by Dr. Seuss were meant only to be funny or clever; "The Lorax" is different. It sends a strong message about what we do to the environment that even little kids can interoperate. Dr. Seuss made words and pictures come alive in his stories, but he has never painted a more serious picture in our minds then he did in "The Lorax." The morale of his story is dead serious and can even be used in this day and age. Other authors can drown you in facts about the environment and bore you to death. Dr. Seuss sends the same message that those authors want to send but in a form that kids can interoperate and that adults can enjoy reading. I was floored by how well Dr. Seuss sent the message across to me. The morale of the story is that unless someone cares and fights for what is right the world's environment could be destroyed. Dr. Seuss truly out did himself in this story.

There is something about the way the Lorax stands up for the trees and animals that makes you want to stand up for what is right as well. I always thought of myself as the type to go against the grain of what everyone else was doing, especially when it is the right thing to do- this is the kind of message your kids will get from this. You too can make a difference. I suggest it for everyone. I also suggest the ORIGINAL movie (not the new one which is different than the book).

I first read The Lorax when I was about 5 years old in 1990. My parents made sure that this book was on my shelves because they were big nature buffs, members of the Sierra Club, and passionate about protecting our planet. My father is the guy responsible for one of the greatest trips of my life: camping in Yosemite with him, my friend, and her dad, when we were 8 years old. He also is the one who taught me to love the ocean and all its wonders. This sparked my 13 year old obsession with Jacques Cousteau and my first scuba diving experience ever in the Great Barrier Reef. I have been passionate about environmental protection ever since I was little and this book still brings tears to my eyes.

Dr. Seuss has a brilliant ability to distill very complex and important subjects for little readers which continue to resonate with them as they grow up. His clever rhymes, captivating illustrations, and unforgettable characters impressed themselves upon a decades of children who are now adults faced with the task of undoing the damage that has been wrought on our fragile world. He wants each of us to realize that we are like the child who, at the end of the book, receives a small Truffula seed from the Once-ler in order to plant and cultivate a new era of environmental awareness. Now more than ever, this book needs to be read to our children and remembered by the young adults who now hold the responsibility of the globe in our own hands.

Dr. Seuss teaches us how critical it is to care for the environment in this riveting, rhyming masterpiece!

"The Lorax" is one book I always have in my teaching bag as I go from school to school, especially in the Spring, when Earth Day comes near. The other I always bring is "The Sneetches", that teaches brotherhood and fairness. I always read it to the kids at school for Dr. King's birthday. Many of Dr. Seuss's books hold a special life lesson for the readers, young and not so young. "Horton the Elephant" teaches us to keep our word and be steadfast, "The Butter Battle Book" shows the stupidity of war, for just two examples out of many.

One more I always have with me is "The Jester Has Lost His Jingle" by David Saltzman. The lesson is "It's Up To Us To Make A Difference, It's Up To Us To Care." Also," Laughter Is Hiding Inside Each Of Us". David wrote this beautiful, engaging picture book when he was suffering from non Hodgkins Lymphoma as a senior at Yale. After he died, his mother and dad had it published and started an amazing non profit, "The Jester and Pharley Phund". This organization benefits hospitalized children, promotes literacy at public and private schools, and imparts David's beautiful spirit and his lesson of love and laughter to every reader.

All of these books make us better people and a more beautiful society. They are all not to be missed in the education of our young.

I guess it is not just for kids. This book has a big message for everyone. That we must take care of the environment and not totally abuse it for other material things that we think we need.

The rhymes are terrific with some quirky words that sounds so funny. The illustrations are marvellous as usual, colourful trees and eccentric characters. I love everything about this book.

The Lorax is a story by the great Dr. Seuss and was published in nineteen seventy toos, which is told by the Once-ler who messed up quite bad, let his greed take over and destroy all he had. The Lorax you see would speak for the trees and wanted nothing harmful to come of the free. Yet the Once-ler claimed one tree would not hurt and declared with a curt that thneeds are an item that everyone needs. He was warned not once, twice, or thrice, but money you see was the Once-ler's vice. So on he went throwing the Lorax aside not listening to anyone apart from his side, calling all his uncles, cousins, and aunts he chopped down each tree until it was scant. Without caring at all he drove them away no longer was a forest in which they could stay. The smog slummed the Swomee-Swan's songs and the gluppity-glup gummed the Humming-fish's hums all from the Once-ler's greed in order to supply his unlimited need. Now this story whilst sad from the start gives back an ending with quite little tart as the Once-ler since then is filled with regret and gives down a seed and tells not to forget. The story is one with pictures galore and would be found in that genre of a picture book store.

A lot of friends are putting together Christmas lists for children -- either theirs or their friends. The Lorax is one I recommend to all parents as a home library must. As a child, it was the first thing that ever pointed out to me the need to look out for others, and our planet. I made sure my two children had The Lorax in their home. The beauty of Seuss is that he excels at teaching without preaching. I don't have to hammer home the need to be considerate of others; my children are intrigued by the Lorax character, they want to read the book, and the broader message comes across.

Wonderful for anyone, not just the youngest among us.

"The Lorax" is Dr. Seuss' masterpiece and, of course, an important work of environmental concern. Its ecological slant, though, tends to overshadow how much fun this book can really be! The Once-ler, the Truffula trees, the thneeds that everyone needs... this is a tremendously entertaining read! Most the store reviews of this item tend towards the overly serious, and that's a shame, I think. The message is obviously of great import, but who who'd pay much attention if the Lorax wasn't a groovy character? Dr. Seuss was quite savvy to wrap his message within such colorfully enjoyable artwork.

This is absolutely my all-time favorite children's book. Dr. Seuss accurately portrays the on-going eco problem of exploiting the earth's natural resources. Not only was this book a reminder of our planet's woes but it was written with an extremely entertaining style that is entirely unique to Dr. Seuss. It was great to read this book again and I think every child (and parent) should read it. This is Dr. Seuss's best work, not only from a literary stand point but from an artistic stand point as well.

Kids will takeaway a lesson about caring for natural resources, animals and people. The message is kid-friendly and written in a fun way, but kids will understand even if they need a little prompting from adults.

The book "The Lorax" is another marvelous book of great rhymes, lessons and illustrations by the wonderful Dr. Seuss. In this book, Seuss uses his wonderful ways of telling us how valuable resources are and how pollution can greatly affect a city. In the story, the once-ler comes into town looking to start a new business. As he enters this town, he sees the trees, these wonderful trees, the truffula trees. These soft, silky trees spark an idea. The once-ler then creates a new product and calls it a Thneed. This thneed, as it is called, is a fine-something-that-all-people-need. As the once-ler is chopping down these trees to make this thneed, the Lorax comes up and does what he does best, speaks for the trees. He explains how the chopping of his truffula trees is effecting the environment in a harmful way. The Once-ler doesn't care; he just ignores the Lorax and goes on with his day. He then expands his factory and cuts down more trees. All of a sudden, all of the animals are leaving. The fish because of the water pollution, the swans because of the hazardous waste, and the bar-ba-loots because they have ran out of bar-ba-loot fruits that once grew on the truffula trees. After a while of this business going on, there were no more truffula trees and the Lorax left once and for all. Now, the Once-ler realized what he had done, and now he lives alone in his house on top of his store.

This has always been one of my favorite books by Dr.Seuss and recently bought it for my 4 year old son. He is really interested in the book and it is great how there is no happy ending, the future depends on us to clean up. After reading the book, we were watching animal planet and they were talking about how these rare breed of monkey are loosing their habitat because of logging in Malaysia and my son said, "that is just like in the Lorax mommy, we shouldn't cut down so many trees and make the monkeys go away should we?" I was so impressed that he was able to apply what he had read from a children's book to what he saw on a program.

Absolutely a family favorite! I know it sounds corny, but it almost brings a tear to my eye when we get to the end and read the key point of the book "Unless someone cares a whole awful lot nothing's going to get better, it's not." I love the deep underlying messages Seuss creates with names like "The Onceler" indicating someone who wastes by only using something once.

The Lorax is one of Dr Seuss' best books, and like all good children's books, is for adults as well as children. In other hands, a book for children about environmental destruction could be boring and dull, but in the sure hands of Dr Seuss it retains all the magic of other Seuss books, while imparting a serious message that sticks in your mind. This is a great book if you want to teach your children about the need for environemental awareness, because, in the words of the Lorax "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not!"

Being an environmentally friendly kind of guy, i wanted to find a book that could get caring for mother earth across to my children. Little did I know that one of my favorite kids authors, Dr. Seuss, wrote a book about such a thing years before it became popular to support "green" issues. Learn about the greed of someone coming in to cut down all the Trufulla trees just to make sneeds. Of course over time, all the local wildlife have to leave, the area turns to a ravaged wasteland and eventually the company selling sneeds goes out of business. Every time i read the book to my oldest child, she always asks why someone would cut down all the trees. Four year olds understand better than our own congressman. Pretty funny. Anyways, great book to pass on values of caring for nature.

This is an excellent children's book with all of the elements that you like to see: fun, playful writing; excellent, colorful illustrations; and a good moral to the story. My only problem with this book is that the Lorax, while well intentioned, doesn't really do anything. He complains a few times about the destruction of the environment and its effects on the local inhabitants, but he takes no action and just allows the environment to become completely trashed. I think this book would've had a better message if the Lorax had taken a stronger stand coupled with real action.

The Lorax is undoubtedly the most important book ever written by Theodore Geisel (Dr. Suess) and in my opinion, one of the most profound pieces EVER written, period. I feel so strongly about this book that I have a tattoo of the Lorax on my arm with just one word beneath it - UNLESS. Please, obtain this book either via a library, a friend, or purchase it. It is a sad tale that reflects not only the negative implications of clear cutting forests, but it also reflects modern society's irresponsible use of resources and the trend towards making things bigger and bigger and bigger (e.g. Sports Utility Vehicles, highways, homes, televisions, etc.). This comes at a tremendous expense to the Earth and all it's inhabitants. We are not only killing off species, but we are changing the very nature of the biospere via pollution and degradation of natural resources. UNLESS we change things now, the future of humans and other organisms on Earth is very bleak. All people need to either read or have this book read to them - children, adults, EVERYONE! Teachers and professors, I implore you - read this book to your students, or assign it to them, whether they are five or eighteen or one hundred - even if it happens to be banned where you teach (Pacific Northwest?). UNLESS people like us care a whole awful lot, nothing is ever going to change - it's not!

Dr. Seuss's The Lorax is a fantastic story by one of the most lovable, creative children's books authors ever. In the story, Seuss presents a statement concerning the environment in his own original way. Of course, the book would not be complete without those witty rhymes and colorful illustrations. The Lorax "speaks for the trees" and tries to save the Truffula trees from the greedy Once-ler. The Lorax protects the trees and all the creatures that inhabit them. When the Once-ler comes and desires to cut down the Truffula trees, the Lorax tries to stop him, but he fails. The Once-ler cuts down every last Truffula tree, pollutes the environment, and drives all the creatures, including the Lorax, off the land. The story does end on a positive note, but to learn what it is, you must read the book for yourself.
Because The Lorax was first published in 1971, it is easy to believe that the story is referring directly to the environmental movement of the 1960's. The story clearly illustrates the themes of conservation, love, and respect for the land. The author grabs the reader's attention in the beginning of the story by starting in the future and then narrating the past. The reader sees the death and bareness of the land first and then learns the causes for the current state of the environment. Seuss approaches the subject in a blunt and obvious critique of the methods used to strip resources from the land. This story sends a simple, yet powerful statement about the world in which we live.
Because of the book's strong message concerning the environment (clear-cutting forests in particular,) this children's book has found itself on the Banned Books List. The reason is simple. Several logging companies feel threatened by the book and its message. They are afraid of people reading the book and making the great discovery that clear-cutting is bad for the environment! I believe that if this book has been placed on the Banned Book List, then the goal of the story has been achieved. The entire purpose of this book was not just to make kids laugh but to point out that clear-cutting is a serious problem. We, as humans, are trashing the environment. Sometimes the message is the most effective when it is reduced to its simplest form. In the future, this problem will rest in the hands of our children and educating children will help them make better choices than previous generations have.

By: C.J.
Do you relish Dr. Seuss books? If you do then you would enjoy The Lorax. This book is about the Lorax, and the Onceler. The Onceler is telling a boy a story. In the beginning the Onceler finds a tree and manufactures a thneed .In the middle the Onceler starts chopping four times faster and the Lorax asks him to stop. What happens to the trees? Read the book to find out.

My favorite part is when the Onceler made his first thneed because that's the only time the Lorax is wrong.

I would recommend this book for K-3 because they would enjoy it.

It's not The Cat in the Hat. This Dr. Seuss book has a message. Believe it or not, the first time I was exposed to The Lorax was in my undergraduate Ecology course. It tells a story of greed and excess. It also shows that what we do impacts the environment and other species. The Lorax pops in now and then to remind the greedy Onceler that he is cutting down too many trees, destroying other animals homes, and polluting the air and water to boot. However, his message isn't well received and finally the last tree falls. It is only at the end the the Onceler realizes his mistake, but is powerless to act. It is up to you. "Unless someone like you care a whole lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." It is important to note though that it is all done in typical Dr. Seuss fashion, with rhyming and nonsensical words that makes his work so popular with kids. I would have to agree that this may be the most important Dr. Seuss book ever.

The Lorax is a little bit spooky but it shows what happens
when you get rid of a certain thing in the enviroment. That is
esential to live. if you take away all the worms birds cant eat
and if they cant eat things that pray on birds cant eat either
after all the birds die. So on so an The Lorax explains in a
childs mind why we dont destroy the enviroment. The Lorax is a
very good book for anyone whos looking for a good and
educational book.

If you've driven from LA to San Diego on the 405 in California, you've seen first hand the transition zone of oil refineries to the still pristine shores and hills of Torrey Pines and La Jolla. In this compact parable the estute Dr Suess tells a timeless story of the systemic change that can occur with unexamined development, and tips on how you as an individual can play a role. Perfect for kindergarten and universities alike.

This wonderful children's story, which flows beautifully even as it exposes some of the uglier truths of humanity's myopia, must be on any short list of great books for kids. Environmental ethics are presented in a captivating story, with colorful pictures and clever, evocative words. It's been a favorite of mine for over thirty years. As should be expected, it is full of Dr. Seuss' funest inventionary verbiage. Read it to your kids -- and don't be a Onceler.

I was hoping for something a little different from this book. Thidwick, is a moose who is taken advantage of by every animal imaginable as they move in to their new home (Thidwick's antlers). They don't ask him. They simply move in. Soon it becomes a terrible problem for Thidwick, but he doesn't want to send his "guests away" even when it means he can't follow the herd and he must face starvation. Then the hunters come. He can't run because his antlers are now too heavy.

In the end, Thidwick does not solve his own problem. His antlers fall off as they do every year taking the "guests" with him. So kids cannot learn how to deal with unwanted "guests" from this story. The moral is your problems will take care of themselves? Or that someone bigger and badder will come along and take care of them for you? The final page shows the antlers mounted on a wall of the hunters with all the guests (animals) now dead and stuffed while Thidwick trots happily off to his friends.

I would hope for a better moral for a children's story. Especially with a title like "The Big Hearted Moose." Thidwick is not big hearted, he is merely a sucker who gets taken advantage of. I was disappointed with this story, the moral and the rhyming which was terribly off in several places. I love Dr. Seuss, but this will not be in my favorites pile.

This is my daughter's favorite book by Dr. Seuss. I'd never heard of this book until she randomly plucked it off the shelf at the library one day. Not only is The Lorax fun to read out loud, also it contains a very important message about saving the environment. The interesting thing is that the book was written almost 40 years ago. Warning bells have been ringing for a long time. Glad we're finally listening.

This book is soooooo good! It tells us why we must think and consider the environment! We can't just destroy the planet! Then we won't have any place to live! We shouldn't cut down the rainforests, pollute the air, throw trash on the ground, drill for oil in Alaska, allow snowmobiles in National Parks, etc.! If we do that, then we won't have a nice place to live! We should be more environmentally friendly! Just like the Lorax!

Strange. Apparently the "professional reviewers" didn't get the point. Nor did almost all of the other (generally good) reviewers.

This book is not about an oddball moose. It is not about "bewilderment".

This book is "Atlas Shrugged", by Ayn Rand, in a very short form.

Thidwick, after first believing that being helpful and "good" is the right thing to do, finds out in the end that all the leeches in the world will gladly do nothing as long as someone silly enough gives them what they want.

Then, in a moment of inspiration, just like Hank Reardon, he "shrugs"... and the leeches get their just desserts. Stuffed.

Read it again, and think. And then pick up "Atlas Shrugged".

When I was first learning to read, I read a lot of Dr. Seuss books. but, when I got a little better, I picked up The Lorax. It has stuck with me ever since. I don't know how anyone could read this book and not have a greater appreciation for the world and the rapid rate of deforestation. Children can get the message that is coming across in the story and still enjoy it -- I certainly did.

Did you know that this Dr. Seuss book used to contain one line? The line was "I hear things are just as bad up in Lake Erie," and it was spoken by the Lorax as the Humming-Fish were leaving their polluted pond. It was also spoken by one of the Humming-Fish in the 1972 animated TV special.

The line about Lake Erie was included in the book when it was first published in 1971, but more than a decade afterward, Dr. Seuss banned it after two research associates from the Ohio Sea Grant Program wrote to him about Lake Erie's cleanup, so the line has not appeared in recent editions. It does remain on all video and DVD releases of the TV special.

12 years ago at the old age of eight, I received this book and found it quite great! My parents had read me of this and of that, of Berenstein Bears and a Cat in a Hat. This book in itself makes quite a statement, sounding nothing quite like a drawn-out old lament. The story involved something unlike you or me, a being called a Once-ler, who we never do see. He tells his story from a boarded old store, and will not answer you if you knock at his door. But for the right price, he'll tell you the tale, and here is that story, in some minor detail: While travelling across lands and seas, the old once-ler found the Truffula trees. When he chopped down one tree there was a loud thump, and the Lorax appeared right out of that stump. He warned the Once-ler of what he was for, but the Once-ler didn't listen and thought him a bore. With cutting down trees, was born a Thneed, a so-called "Fine thing that all people need." The Once-ler made many, and money to spare, but his doing caused many to sadly despair. He polluted the air, he gummed up the pond, he cut down the trees til they soon were all gone. A sad story yes, but sad is to say, such examples of Once-lers can be found today. Dr. Seuss wrote this story out of will and good faith, but unless we heed it's warning, it may be too late. -Michael Howe, 11/10/00

I was recommend this book by my fiance who loved it as a child. And we both love it. People complain about the movie being too environmentally messagey and let me tell you if you have read this book you would realize that is just what the lorax is about! Seuss was not pulling any punch with this book.

It's about a kid called Ted. Once Ted went out of town and then he came across a house with a man called the Once-Ler. Once the once-ler made an amazing project, the thined.

I liked how funny is was.

Children aged 8 and under might enjoy it.

This boook is a vital book for people of all ages to read. In an age of technological advances, it is important to ask 'why?' and 'what are the consequences?' in regards to our new advances in technology that occur by the minute. this book is fabulous, and everyday we do not think about the issues this book covers, is one day closer to the day we will have no choice to.

This book has a great message to it. Any one can relate to the idea that overusing resources and polluting the land leave our children with nothing. This was my favorite book growing up, the movie is just as great. It bothers me so much that a book with such a great meaning behind it could be banned by some school districts. Are our kids not allowed to learn that natural resources can be limited or used up because our actions??

I had never read this story, until my son got it for his 4th birthday. It is a wonderful story that teaches about how important every animal and thing is on our planet and that they all relate to each other. It certainly inspired my son to think about things and brought up some great questions. This is a MUST HAVE IN A CHILD'S LIBRARY!!

Thank God they resisted updating the artwork now that the movie's coming out in CGI. Picked up this newer printing for my daughter who hasn't had the pleasure of experiencing this Seuss classic yet. It's a sad statement on our times to say that a simple re-release without touching it is the best anyone can do in this day and age. Fans of The Lorax know what to expect, and there are plenty of other reviews that go into more detail about the actual story. This is just to note that the art is true to the original for those who care... and I do.

When the guy first gets there, it is a beautiful place. Then he builds a factory and makes stuff. After a while, his buildings start to fall apart and the last of the beautiful trees was cut down. And the place was a dark and gloomy place. And the lorax was the person who was trying to stop the guy from cutting down all the trees. READ IT!!!

I have read many Dr. Seuss books to my two five years olds and they love them. But this one is my favorite. Funny how I have never heard of or read it until a couple months ago. The message of this book blew me awayI had to flip to front to see when it was written1971! Dr. Seuss hit the environmental nail on the head way back 35 years ago. He usually has a message embedded in the silliness of his booksthis message is loud and clear.

This book is an essential read for any child. Not only is it an adorable Seuss book, it is also possibly a child's first understandable introduction to environments dangers, conservation, and the horror of clear cutting. I read this book as a child, and it has remained my favorite into my adult years. I hope that it becomes a favorite when I have children. I am sure that it will. Phenomenal book

I have read this book hundreds of times to my daughter (at least it feels that way). I go from sad to mad to sad as I read the tale, which I'm sure is what Dr. Seuss was hoping would happen to the readers of this book. The message of this book, about how easy it is to mess up the enviornment, is delivered in Dr. Seuss' classic catchy style. My daughter could understand the message at a very young age.

The Lorax has to be Dr. Seuss's greatest work. The lesson left by this outrageous tale is a valuable one and the words all roll right off your tongue like butter. The imagery, rhymes, and tempo make this an everlasting symbol of his true potential. One for the ages. Ranks right up there with War and Peace and Gone With The Wind.

In the book, The Lorax, a little part man, part animal creature is trying to save the environment. A man is using the trees to make items in a factory to sell the items. The item becomes a hit to the people so, the man must keep cutting down the trees so he can continue to sell his product. The creature keeps appearing and is trying to the man and save the trees before there is none left. Dr.Seus makes this book fun to read, with the rhyming words, but also teaches a lesson. He puts a complicated lesson into a way that kids would understand it and benefit from it and the kids will want to keep reading. This book also shows the six traits of writing strongly. So, the kids will learn the traits of writing along with a life long lesson. This book is a great book to read.

"El Lorax" is a Dr. Seuss book translated into Spanish that is a must for children. Any conservation project, discussion of the environment should include this fantastic story. I start second grade children with The "Biografia de Dr. Seuss" book to introduce how a person can make a difference and the "El Lorax" to introduce how any person can make a difference.

In the sixties, People began to realize that clear-cutting forests changed the environment for the worst. Dr Seuss wrote this book as a direct response to the big business industries that were clear-cutting forests. Now, because of the care and concern of many people clear cutting is a thing of the past (at least in the United States). The Lorax is a book that still has a good message, every day we are loosing rainforest to big business. We are also loosing much of the earth's natural resources in countries without the laws and sanctions we have in the U.S. A person may look at this book as liberal propaganda but in truth it is a simple way to explain a complex issue to a child.

Though Dr Suess is well known as a children's author, he is really just an amazing storyteller. This book proves that there is more to this extraordinary man than rhyme schemes (though he was certainly a master of rhyming).

The book discusses the importance of environmental preservation by personification. The Lorax really is the environment, and though he tries to warn his foil to stop harming the environment he can really do nothing. The once-ler, is of course humanity: flawed and greedy. It is not until the once-ler has destroyed the environment that he realizes the folly of his ways.

Though the book has deep overtones, it is still accessible to children of all ages and is a great learning tool. The allegory is rather simple, and most children should be able to pick up on it.

This book is great for all ages, and belongs in everyone's book collection, hopefully next to other great Dr Suess books.

My mother use to read this story to me, now I read it to my son. "Way back in the days when the grass was still green and the pond was still wet and the clouds were still clean... one morning I came to this glorious place!"
But after the Onceler starts his industry in this glorious place the Lorax comes to visit him... "My poor Bar-ba-loots are all getting the crummies because they have gas and no food in their tummies... My poor Swomee-swans, why, they can't sing a note, no one can sing who has smog in his throat... You're glumping the pond where the Humming-Fish hummed. No more can they hum for their gills are all gummed."
So many of Dr Seuss' tales are not only fun to listen to and read, but teach valuable lessons to children, this book is no exception. I cannot recommend it enough!

I liked this book. It has really good illustrations and Dr. Suess is very good at writing the story, The Lorax. I think all kids need to read this book because it taught me how to take care of the earth.

The story is about an ambitious entrepreneur who lets his success crowd out his good judgement and then ends up destroying his own business by being too greedy!! Yikes!! But it is a great book--and our toddler loves it. We recieved many Dr. Seuss books as baby shower gifts and this one came too. One day we had read everything on the shelf, and the only books left were the ones I had set aside for when he was older, the Lorax among them,....so we tried reading the Lorax, and now we read it almost everyday, sometimes three times through. One of our toddler's first words was "Thneed"...which everyone, everyone, everyone needs!! Great book! Read your "big kid" books to your toddlers, our's loves them.

I loved this book as a child, but I think I enjoy it even more now. While all of Dr. Seuss's stories have good meanings behind them, The Lorax has a very fitting moral for present times. Reading this book helps kids better understand the environmental issues today and what can come from them. Also, this book never gets old. I have probably read it over a hundred times, but I still love it....And who can resist a story that has a brown bar-ba-loot, frisking about in his bar-ba-loot suit?

The good doctor has always been one for a message, and this one comes through with uncommon bluntness: it's pretty easy to screw up the environment, and you get plenty of warning before it's too late. Anyone sufficently blinded by greed will just go ahead, though, until they ruin everything - even the sources of their own wealth.

Here, in the America of Pres. Bush II, the issues are even more vivid than they were 35 years ago when this was written. Maybe your kid will get the message. One can only hope.

//wiredweird