In a 1981 interview in Arizona magazine, Theodor Geisel explained that the title of The Cat in the Hat came from his desire to have the title rhyme, and the first two words that he could find from the word list to do that were ‘cat’ and ‘hat’. [1]
The Cat in the Hat is a children’s book written and illustrated by American author Theodor Geisel, using the pen name Dr. Seuss. It was first published in the USA on 12 March 1957 and was an instant sensation.
The book was created in response to a debate in the United States about early childhood literacy and the ineffectiveness of traditional reading primers. Geisel was asked by publisher William Spaulding to write a more entertaining primer using only 225 words from a list of words thought to be important for first-graders to learn. Geisel rose to the challenge and created a story that was engaging, imaginative, and fun to read.
The story is about Sally and her brother who are stuck inside their house, bored on a rainy day. Suddenly, a tall anthropomorphic cat wearing a red and white-striped top hat and a red bow tie appears and begins entertaintaing the children by performing tricks and stunts, creating a big mess in the house, including knocking down furniture and almost releasing the fish from his bowl. As things seem to getting out of control, the cat amasingly arranges to have things put to rights just before mum comes in the door. The story teaches children about the importance of responsibility and the consequences of misbehaving in a fun and humorous way.
The book’s use of simple, repetitive language and colourful illustrations made it easy for beginning readers to follow and understand, while the narrative is still engaging for more advanced readers. It has everything a classic needs, a linear plot, great characters, wonderful illustrations, and a unique voice.
The Cat in the Hat was met with immediate critical and commercial success, selling over a million copies within the first three years of publication. It became one of the most popular and beloved children’s books of all time and has since sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
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