Dr. Seuss Character Visits Norwalk Schools

It’s Dr. Seuss’s birthday and one Norwalk school administrator is going all out. Jean Evans Davila, head of literacy services, created a homemade costume of The Lorax, a beloved Dr. Seuss character.  With costume on and book in hand, Davila spent Tuesday morning reading Seuss to Naramake Elementary kingergarten and first grade students.  She’ll be visiting Brookside, Wolfpit and Cranbury in the coming weeks.  

“Kids love the sing songy rhythm,” Davila says about Dr. Seuss’s appeal to children. “And he’s not afraid to play with language.  Who else makes up words like Gluppity Glup and Shloppity Shlop?”

But readers also love Dr. Seuss for his “great lessons.”  “He’s very silly, but also very serious,” says Davila. For example, "The Lorax" is a story about environmentalism and over-consumption. 

After reading the book to children, Davilla talks about not wasting and protecting trees.  In fact, Davila made her costume with old blankets.  “I want to show the kids that you can repurpose things in the house instead of throwing them away.” 

Davila’s favorite Seuss book is the “Star Bellied Sneetches.”  Last year, when Davilla visited, she dressed up as Sneetch and talked about the message of tolerance and respecting others who might seem different. 

Dr. Seuss, of course, was really Theodor Suess Guisel. He was born on March 2, 1904 and published 44 children’s books, including beloved classics such as the “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” “Horton Hears a Who!” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”  Davila believes Seuss was a fascinating character.  He drew informational comics for soldiers and became a well-respected political cartoonist during World War II.  This part of his life is chronicled in a book she recommends, “Dr. Seuss Goes to War.” And, Davila adds, “Believe it or not, he never had his own children!"

What’s your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

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