It's easy to see why both of these books received the Caldecott Honor, and it's tempting to read them as companions to one another, although I am aware of the subsequent If I Ran the Circus (1956), which might also be considered a companion.

This latter may take the form of colorful figures against a white page, or it may consist of a page that is itself a deep color - the black background on the page with the Iota, or the red background behind the family of deer with interconnected horns (AKA antlers) - but in either case, the result is far more colorful than in many of the artist's previous titles. In McElligot's Pool, the artwork alternated to great effect between black-and-white drawings and full-color watercolor paintings, whereas here, the illustrations are done in black line, with full color accents. Both also feature Seuss' strikingly expressive cartoon-style artwork that makes such excellent use of color and form to create a visual landscape full of both wonder and humor. Both books contain a wildly creative list of fictional creatures - fish and other aquatic life in McElligot's Pool, terrestrial and avian species in If I Ran the Zoo - all dreamt up by the young boy-narrator. Seuss' eighth picture-book, and feels very much akin to the earlier McElligot's Pool, published in 1947, and also awarded a Caldecott Honor (in 1948). Originally published in 1950, and awarded a Caldecott Honor in 1951, If I Ran the Zoo was Dr. What follows is an ever more imaginative list of fictional creatures that Gerald would track down and capture, to make McGrew's Zoo the best in the world.

Setting free all of the 'boring' animals like lions and tigers, he would go on a worldwide hunt for more unusual creatures, from a ten-footed lion to an Elephant-Cat. “They are still here available for patrons to view e just ask that you come inside the library and look at them while you are here,” said Gresham.Īccording to Gresham, none of the six books were among the popular titles frequently checked out by people.Visiting the city zoo in this rhyming romp of a picture-book, young Gerald McGrew imagines what he would do, if he were in charge.

Library Assistant Director Anne Gresham said it decided to temporarily remove the books from circulation after receiving guidance from the state library and the Washington County Library System Headquarters. You can’t check out and take home those six books right now at the Springdale Public Library. And to think I saw it on Mulberry Street.In a statement sent to the Associated Press, the company said it’s due to racially insensitive images portraying people in hurtful ways. Seuss, announced six of the author’s books will no longer be published. Seuss Enterprises, in charge of preserving and protecting the legacy of Dr.

If i ran the zoo