Dr. Seuss/Assumptions

[Joanne Proctor <jmproctor@KSPRESS.COM>]

Hi,
  Several years ago, I did a "who's your favorite author/favorite book"
survey with kids, parents, and teachers.  Dr. Seuss's name came up most
often and "The Cat in the Hat" got the most "votes" for favorite.  With
that survey in mind and the fact that our kids are mostly middle-class, I
made the assumption (I know, I know) that the kids were basically familiar
with his books and that I wouldn't focus on him.  I thought it more
important to attempt to familiarize kids with a wider variety of authors
and illustrators.  After all there are so many!  Every few years, one of
the teachers decides to do an author study on Seuss, but it doesn't happen
every year.
  This week, I had a "reality check."  I discovered that the "beginner
books" and the Grinch are basically the only ones they know.  In the
primary classes (K-2) I've had so far this week, I would hold up several of
his books (different ones with different grades) ask which ones they knew
and, to my surprise, there were only two or three in each classroom who
knew the Bartholemew books or Horton or Thidwick or Mulberry Street or If I
Ran the Zoo.
  So, I wondered how many others of us have made the same assumptions?

Just a reminder that we may not know as much as we think we do.  Rude
awakenings can be a good thing sometimes.

Just thought I'd share my thoughts.


Joanne Proctor, Librarian
Most Pure Heart of Mary School
Topeka, KS
jmproctor@mphm.com

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