Six of Dr. Seuss’s books will no longer be published because of racist and insensitive imagery according to Dr. Seuss Enterprises. It comes just one day after President Biden omitted Dr. Seuss from ‘Read Across America Day’, which is held annually on the author’s birthday on March 2nd.
Erin McCracken/Evansville Courier & Press via AP
Dr. Seuss, whose real name is Theodor Geisel, has been the face of the annual ‘Read Across America Day’ for more than 20 years.
“These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,” Dr. Seuss Enterprises told The Associated Press in a statement that coincided with the late author and illustrator’s birthday.
Steven Senne/AP
“Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families.”
The six books that will no longer be printed are: ‘And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street’, ‘If I Ran the Zoo’, ‘McElligot’s Pool’, ‘On Beyond Zebra!’, ‘Scrambled Eggs Super!’, and ‘The Cat’s Quizzer’.
Random House
The decision to cease publication and sales of the books was made last year after months of discussion, the company said.
‘Dr. Seuss Enterprises listened and took feedback from our audiences including teachers, academics, and specialists in the field as part of our review process. We then worked with a panel of experts, including educators, to review our catalog of titles.‘
As adored as Dr. Seuss is by millions around the world for the positive values in many of his works, including environmentalism and tolerance, there has been increasing criticism in recent years over the way blacks, Asians and others are drawn in some of his most beloved children’s books, as well as in his earlier advertising and propaganda illustrations.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises, however, said it is ‘committed to listening and learning and will continue to review our entire portfolio.’
Books by Dr. Seuss, who died in 1991, have been translated into dozens of languages as well as in braille and are sold in more than 100 countries. He remains popular, earning an estimated $33 million before taxes in 2020, up from just $9.5 million five years ago, the company said.
Forbes listed him No. 2 on its highest-paid dead celebrities of 2020, behind only the late pop star Michael Jackson.
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