Instead of having our book/movie comparison on Saturday, we thought it would be appropriate to have it on Earth Day and do a book within such a theme! I present to you...The Lorax!
Title: The Lorax
Author: Dr. Suess
Author: Dr. Suess
Publication Date: August 12th, 1971
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Genre: Children's
Pages: 72
Source: Amazon.com
Rating:
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
He's shortish.
And oldish...
And brownish. And mossy...
And he spoke with a voice...
that was sharpish and bossy.
Long before “going green” was mainstream, Dr. Seuss’s Lorax spoke for the trees and warned of the dangers of disrespecting the environment. In this cautionary rhyming tale, we learn of the Once-ler, who came across a valley of Truffula Trees and Brown Bar-ba-loots (“frisking about in their Bar-ba-loot suits as they played in the shade and ate Truffula Fruits”), and how his harvesting of the tufted trees changed the landscape forever. With the release of the blockbuster film version, the Lorax and his classic tale have educated a new generation of young readers not only about the importance of seeing the beauty in the world around us, but also about our responsibility to protect it.
Dr. Seuss has many great books.
Many great books that make me want to look.
They have pretty colors and many clever things,
the cute little creatures make me want to sing!
He sometimes has a message that makes you think,
just like in the Lorax, it will tickle you pink!
He liked to make things educational and fun,
Fun, Fun, Fun for everyone!
Okay so that's my sad attempt at reviewing in Dr. Seussian. Hardy har har. I love The Lorax. I love Dr. Seuss. Actually, I have every intention of decorating my children's nursery in Dr. Seuss trimmings. I know a lot of people have controversy about the message he's trying to send here, but honestly, I think people can be a little overly-critical of children's picture books. Unless the information is deliberately inaccurate, just take it at face value and look at it through the eyes of a child. Sometimes the simplest lessons are the best lessons, and you just need to enjoy the ride. My children will most definitely know who Dr. Seuss is! Also, did you know they have a pop-up book, too?
Title: The Lorax
Actors: Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White
Directors: Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda
Rated: PG
Studio: Universal
DVD Release Date: August 7th, 2012
Run Time: 86 minutes
Rating:
Synopsis (from Amazon):
The imaginative world of Dr. Seuss comes to life like never before in this visually spectacular adventure from the creators of Despicable Me! Twelve-year-old Ted will do anything to find a real live Truffula Tree in order to impress the girl of his dreams. As he embarks on his journey, Ted discovers the incredible story of the Lorax, a grumpy but charming creature who speaks for the trees. Featuring the voice talents of Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Rob Riggle, Jenny Slate, and Betty White, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is filled with hilarious fun for everyone!
So I really liked the movie, as cheesy as a lot of it was. However, I was glad they made Mr. Once-ler look more like a businessman rather than the Grinch's arms the whole time.
Not to mention the adorable Brown Bar-ba-loots that make you want to take them home and snuggle the marshmallows out of them. I want one. I shall call him squishy and he shall be mine.
I do wish they incorporated more of the "Dr. Seuss spirit" in the dialogue. Unfortunately, the movie was glamorized and at times overdone. Obviously they had to turn a 72 page book into an hour and a half long movie while fitting within the caliber of successful cinematics of today, so I give them snaps for trying.
Now let's tackle the real reason we're all here. Why on God's green earth didn't Zac Efron or Taylor Swift sing AT ALL in this movie? I don't even see them on the soundtrack! Apparently Hollywood thought it wise to simply pay for their names and not their talents this time around.
* * *
Also, in the spirit of Earth Day, I discovered this blog with The Lorax crafts for you and your kids to enjoy: The Classroom Creative - The gang over at Fifty Five Below also had some great ideas for games (this was actually for a birthday party, but it's just as fitting). - Enjoy!
Dr. Seuss was born Theodor Geisel in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904. After attending Dartmouth College and Oxford University, he began a career in advertising. His advertising cartoons, featuring Quick, Henry, the Flit!, appeared in several leading American magazines. Dr. Seuss's first children's book, And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street, hit the market in 1937, and the world of children's literature was changed forever! In 1957, Seuss's The Cat in the Hat became the prototype for one of Random House's best- selling series, Beginner Books. This popular series combined engaging stories with outrageous illustrations and playful sounds to teach basic reading skills. Brilliant, playful, and always respectful of children, Dr. Seuss charmed his way into the consciousness of four generations of youngsters and parents. In the process, he helped kids learn to read.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 and three Academy Awards, Seuss was the author and illustrator of 44 children's books, some of which have been made into audiocassettes, animated television specials, and videos for children of all ages. Even after his death in 1991, Dr. Seuss continues to be the best-selling author of children's books in the world.
Lol He looks so angry.
UNLESS,
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