Sketches of fantastic creatures by Dr. Seuss that have never been published before will see the light of day in new books to come and be drawn and illustrated by an inclusive group of authors and artists, the company that owns the intellectual property rights. The works of Dr. Seuss were announced on Wednesday.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises said in a statement on the late author's birthday that the new line of books will include original stories, inspired by previously unpublished illustrations selected from the author's archives at the University of California San Diego.
The announcement comes just a year after the family-founded business of Dr. Seuss – whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel – announced that it would become six Dr. Seuss will stop publishing the titles because they contain racist and insensitive images, a decision that attracted both condemnation and praise.
In "End to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street", an Asian man is depicted wearing a conical hat, holding chopsticks and eating from a bowl. "If I Ran the Zoo" includes a portrait of two barefoot African men, who are seen wearing grass skirts and hair tied on top of their heads. Other books affected include "McElligot's Pool," "On Beyond Zebra!", "Scramble Eggs Super!" And there was "The Cat's Quizzer".
Dr Seuss Enterprises said the new writers and illustrators will represent a diverse cross-section of racial backgrounds to represent a greater number of families. Company officials were not available to comment, a spokesperson said.
Susan Brandt, President and CEO, said, “We are eager to shine a light on the new generation of talent we know will bring their unique voice and style to the page, while drawing inspiration from the creativity and imagination of Dr. Seuss. " Dr Seuss Enterprises said in a statement.
The books, under the banner of Seuss Studio and published by Random House Children's Books, will be created for readers aged 4 to 8.
"The original Dr. Seuss sketch, which serves as the inspiration for each new book from Seuss Studio, will be included in the book, along with a note from the creators explaining how they were inspired, and their process," the San Diego-based company said.
Images include a cat-like creature with huge ears and a range of colorful hummingbirds with pointed noses.
The company said the goal is to continue Gisele's legacy, which began in 1957 at Random House with an imprint of early books that inspired young readers and helped writers and artists begin their publishing careers. Yes, the company said.
Pamela Good, president of Beyond Basics, a Michigan-based nonprofit that promotes literacy, said the company seems genuine in its efforts to address inclusivity.
"We believe that literacy is for everyone," she said. "And as you try to find solutions that are really thoughtful and heartfelt, they really embrace everyone and allow everyone to celebrate. And I think what they're doing right now is right." A step in that direction."
Dr. Seuss Enterprises has yet to reveal the authors and illustrators who will be working on the new books as the contracts still expire.
The first of the new books are expected to hit shelves next year, and the goal is to publish at least two new books per year.
Dr. Seuss books such as "Green Eggs and Ham" and "The Cat in the Hat" remain popular more than 30 years after Gisele's death in 1991.
According to Forbes, he earned an estimated $35 million in 2021, making him the fifth highest-paid deceased celebrity of the year. Roald Dahl is at number 1, followed by Prince, Michael Jackson and Charles Schulz.
Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, Geisel was second on the list with a net worth of $33 million in 2020. His books have been translated into dozens of languages as well as Braille, and are sold in over 100 countries.