“i remember getting scared from this book. still a classic. back then talking about the environment. ”
“What can one say about Dr, Seuss books that hasn't already been said? It's doubtful there is anyone anywhere in the US that hasn't heard of Dr. Seuss or his most famous of books.”
“I remember reading this book and watching the movie when I was really little!!”
“Good Lesson or PropagandaFirst and foremost, I love this book. It is my daughters favorite of all time. But my question is...Is it appropriate for a childrens book to have such a one sided message? Of course the message is good, we do need to protect our enviornment. But it slides into the realm of propaganda with no good attributes at all being given to the industrious Onceler. Onesided or just a good parable? Whats your take?”
“I definitely can't name any that WANT to be propaganda, but that's not to say you don't have to worry about certain perspectives coloring your child for his/her entire life. Little Bear taught me to love animals as people, complete with their own friends, family, love, and other feelings.The Little Engine That Could -- and The Fir Tree -- taught me to personify objects. The Lorax taught me to empathize with nature.And all of these things, strange though they seem, were with me throughout childhood, and are with me still, to varying degrees.”
“You know, this is probably my favorite Seuss book of all time (though not for lack of competition...the man was fantastic), and I've wondered this a handful of times, myself.I agree that it's making a simple point for children, and it's not for grappling with both sides. It's a very evocative, wistful story, and children respond to that sort very well. Who doesn't sympathize with that feeling of sudden, irretrievable loss, such as when that last tree is cut down? I'm with the others who point out that the Onceler is a caricature, the distant extreme when it comes to lack of consideration and foresight.Alternatively, you could view the Onceler as bad simply because he's bad at business. It's a poor entrepreneur indeed who depends upon trees for his entire business plan, but hasn't experienced the flash of insight, before they're all gone, to replace them by planting more. Modern lumber companies replace what they plant, so it can't be an indictment of them.Just an alternative. :)”
“I never looked at the Lorax this way, but you raise an interesting point. Should novels balance out the "2 sides to every story?""I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees" This is a beauthful, poignant wonderful book. I have it all but memorized. Someone has to speak for the trees! If it is "propaganda" don't buy it. Books have bias; authors' have bias. The onceler may be industrious, but is industry without thinking; a Frederick Taylor approach to the workforce and an Enron approach to money. "at the very moment, we heard a loud whack! From outside in the fields came a sickening smack of an axe on a tree. Then we heard the tree fall. The very last Truffula Tree of them all!" This is a genuine and heartfelt call for all of us to take care of each other, and of our world. ”
“Sure! Toddler books are shameless in their pro puppy propaganda! Fortunately, they also give mommies a lot of positive press.”
“LOL !!! Disabled barbaloots, not to be politically incorrect, but that is funny ! I think you are correct that to make the message understandable it is pretty onesided. After I started thinking about this one, I turned to "Oh, the places you'll go" as a bit of a pro-productive industrious book he put out. So, Suess does Ying and Yang with a couple of the books.”
“I think you are taking this way too deep for a children's book. I, too,love this book as did my children. I think this book is just a good parable. I don't think you have to worry about propaganda until a child reaches the middle grades and above. It's been so long since I've read to a really young child. I'm curious if there are any books written for preschoolers that you consider propaganda. ”
