Great Day for UP

     

This is a Dr. Seuss book, so you already know, its loved by parents, adults, and children. I love the series of books just for myself, but I guess since I have a child now, I can read them to her for her own entertainment as well. ;)

       This story isn't really a story, you know how Dr. Seuss books are. But if I had to find a way to summarize and briefly describe what it is about, I would say its about being UP! Not just floating away, but when the day starts, how everything begins to go "up-hill" from there. Good day, beautiful day, sunrise, birds chirping, morning smiles, just an overall happy book, about getting up and starting you day. The animals are waking up, people around are getting up, balloons and kites are up, balls are flying up, waves are crashing up, birds are flying up, everything is up! Until the end, when the narrator reveals he isn't! He's sleeping in for the day. I thought that was hilarious!

       Of course, this piece of children's literature calls in the fictional/fantasy category... Dr. Seuss continues his norms in this story. The animals that talk and walk upright, the humans whom resemble animals, weird buildings that are unrealistic. The bold and bright colors of the series also continues in this story. A type of art work you don't see anywhere. This childlike drawing throughout the book makes it all the more relatable and entertaining for children.

       If I could relate this book to an assignment or two, for one I would start off by using that word "up" to my advantage. Having the children talk and right about everything in the world that they know, goes "up." Another assignment would be to decorate kites or balloons, for an outdoor activity. I think that would be pretty cool.

       We all know about Dr. Seuss, so we know how his books are written and how he operates, but I just have to keep adding how amazing this man is for artwork and stories. Even though this particular story had pictures drawn by Quentin Blake, Seuss has always been my favorite childhood illustrator.

       Once you have read the book, ask the kids these question...
1) Name 3 things you know that goes up.
2) If you could go "up" what would you like to go up in? Plane? Balloon? On a birds back?
3) Would you rather be up, or down? Awake or sleeping?

Seuss, Dr. (1974). Great Day for Up. New York & Toronto, Canada: Random House Inc.