Dr. Seuss

Writer / Illustrator

Name at birth: Theodor Geisel

Perhaps the 20th century's most famous author for children, Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated nearly 50 books of quirky children's verse during his lifetime. His books were famous for their funny rhymes and whimsical characters; among Suess's most famous titles are The Cat in the Hat (1957), Green Eggs and Ham (1960), Horton Hears a Who (1954) and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish (1960). His story How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1957) was made into 1966 animated TV special (directed by Chuck Jones) and a 2000 feature film starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch. Dr. Seuss was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize in 1984.

Extra credit: Geisel won an Academy Award for writing the best documentary short subject of 1945, Your Job in Germany (also known as Hitler Lives)... Jim Carrey also voiced Horton the Elephant in a 2008 feature film of Horton Hears a Who... Actor Mike Myers played the title role in a 2003 feature film of The Cat in the Hat.

Dr. Seuss joins basketball legend Dr. J. in our loop on Famous 'Doctors'.

Other popular children's authors: Chris Van Allsburg (Polar Express), J.K. Rowling (the Harry Potter series) and Astrid Lindgren (creator of Pippi Longstocking).