sketches of fantastic creatures by dr. Seuss books that have never been published before will see the light of day in new books written and illustrated by an inclusive group of emerging authors and artists, the company that owns the intellectual property rights of dr. the seuss works were announced on wednesday.
The new line of books will feature original stories inspired by previously unseen illustrations selected from the author archives at the University of California San Diego, Dr. Seuss Enterprises said in a statement on the late writer’s birthday.
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The announcement comes exactly one year after the company founded by the family of Dr. seuss, whose real name was theodor seuss geisel, announced that he would stop publishing six dr. seuss because they include racist and insensitive imagery, a decision that drew both condemnation and praise.
in “and to think i saw it on mulberry street”, an asian person is depicted wearing a conical hat, holding chopsticks and eating from a bowl. “if i run the zoo” includes a drawing of two barefoot African men wearing what appear to be grass skirts with their hair tied above their heads. the other affected books were “mcelligot’s pool”, “on beyond zebra!”, “scrambled egg super!” and “the cat’s quizzer”.
new authors and illustrators will represent a diverse cross-section of racial backgrounds to represent as many families as possible, dr. seuss companies said. Company officials were not available for comment, a spokesman said.
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“We look forward to spotlighting a new generation of talent who we know will bring their unique voices and style to the page, while also drawing inspiration from the creativity and imagination of Dr. Seuss,” Susan Brandt, President and CEO from Dr. Seuss Enterprises, she said in a statement.
The books, under the banner seuss studios and published by random house children’s books, will be aimed at readers ages 4 to 8.
“the original dr. seuss sketch that serves as the inspiration for each of the new seuss studios books will be included in the book, along with a note from the creators explaining their inspiration and their process,” san the Diego-based company said.
Images include a cat-like creature with huge ears and a series of colorful hummingbirds with pointed noses.
The goal is to continue Geisel’s legacy, begun in 1957 with the launch of the beginner’s book publisher at Random House, of inspiring young readers and supporting writers and artists beginning their publishing careers, the company said. .
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The company seems genuine in its efforts to address inclusion, said Pamela Good, president of Beyond Basics, a Michigan-based nonprofit that promotes literacy.
“We believe that literacy is for everyone,” he said. “And as you try to come up with solutions that are really thoughtful and sincere, really accepting of everyone and allowing everyone to be celebrated. And I think what they’re doing right now is a step in the right direction.” /p>
dr. seuss enterprises has not yet revealed the writers and illustrators who will work on the new books because contracts are still being worked out.
The first of the new books is expected to hit stores next year, and the goal is to publish at least two new books per year.
dr. Seuss books like “Green Eggs and Ham” and “The Cat in the Hat” remain popular more than 30 years after Geisel’s death in 1991.
earned an estimated $35 million in 2021, making him the fifth highest-paid deceased celebrity of the year, according to Forbes. roald dahl is the no. 1, followed by prince, michael jackson and charles schulz.
geisel, who was born and raised in springfield, massachusetts, was no. 2 on the list in 2020 with $33 million in earnings. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages, as well as in braille, and are sold in more than 100 countries.
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