Theodore Geisel was born March 2nd, 1904, but we know him best as Dr. Seuss. As a child, his mother "chanted" rhymes to him and and his siblings to sooth them and later, he credited his mother with both his ability and desire to create the rhymes for which he became so well known.

We know him primarily as the author of children's books, though he began his career drawing cartoons for advertisement and animations for promotional films in World War II for both troops and civilians at home.

Perhaps one of the most widely recognized books he published was "The Cat in the Hat." It was written because Dr. Seuss thought the famous Dick and Jane primers were insanely boring. Because kids weren’t interested in the material, they weren’t compelled to use it repeatedly in their efforts to learn to read. So, “The Cat in the Hat” was born.

On a side note, here's a fun fact about a couple of Dr. Seuss' most popular books:

Bennett Cerf, Dr. Seuss’ editor, bet him that he couldn’t write a book using 50 words or less. “The Cat in the Hat” was pretty simple and only used 225 words. Not one to back down from a challenge, Mr. Geisel started writing and came up with “Green Eggs and Ham” — which uses exactly 50 words. 

Appearing in this order, they are:

I am Sam; that; do not like; you green eggs and ham; them; would here or there; anywhere; in a house with mouse; eat box fox; car they; could; may will see tree; let me be; train on; say the dark; rain; goat; boat; so try may; if; good; thank.

I am NOT saying that five times fast.

March 2nd has now been proclaimed Read Across America Day and March is literacy month.

That being said, it's time to celebrate in the most Seuss-tastic way you can imagine.

Find your red-and-white striped hat, make a giant cupcake, wear an orange mustache in honor of the Lorax.  Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!