Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss: or Why Burping Turtles Are Like LGBT Kids’ Books

• Books for Kids • national education association, read across america • 2 Comments

Happy birthday to the good doctor, who was born Theodor Seuss Geisel on this date in 1904.

While we may not be able to celebrate quite like they do in Katroo, we can celebrate Read Across America Day, an annual “reading motivation and awareness program” run by the National Education Association (NEA).

I feel obliged to point out once again, however, that while the NEA has a chock-full Diversity Calendar, listing all kinds of celebrations and observances, the major heritage months (Black History Month, Women’s History Month, etc.), and links to resources, there is one major heritage month missing from it. In June. Three guesses. No—you’ll need just one.

In response to those who say that LGBT-inclusive books are not appropriate for children’s reading matter, I will point out that Geisel himself recalled, about his story Yertle the Turtle:

I used the word burp, and nobody had ever burped before on the pages of a children’s book. It took a decision from the president of the publishing house before my vulgar turtle was permitted to do so.

—As reported in Stefan Kanfer’s 1991 essay, “The Doctor Beloved by All,” in Of Sneetches and Whos and the Good Dr. Seuss: Essays on the Writings and Life of Theodor Geisel

Times change. Do a search for “burp” at Amazon now, and you’ll get a whole page of listings. “Fart” has about the same results. (I have a seven-year-old son. I had to check.) Let’s hope more publishers, schools, libraries, educational associations, and the like realize there’s nothing wrong with LGBT-inclusive books for children, and LGBT families are just as natural and kid-appropriate as burping turtles. Perhaps even more so—do turtles really burp?

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2 thoughts on “Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss: or Why Burping Turtles Are Like LGBT Kids’ Books”

  1. Ruby

    It’s my little girl’s 2nd birthday today–we’ve always been thrilled about her sharing a birthday with Dr. Seuss, but now she’s also born on reading day, too! She received a number of books for her birthday, so we’re doing our part.

  2. Jan

    Hello – I attempted to leave a comment on the NEA website suggesting that they add Pride Month to their list of events. I think that others should think about doing the same. Just to be aware, however, that it will block out as “explicit” any use of the word “gay” or even “hello” (I guess b/c it has “hell” in it?!) so I had to write GLBT and that seemed to pass their censors! I agree – the NEA needs to shape up on this issue! Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

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