Generations of children have enjoyed the imaginative stories created by Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.
With over 60 books penned by the author throughout his lifetime, many have been refashioned into popular movies featuring Hollywood A-listers.
These four classic Dr. Seuss books are perfect for reading to children. After you’ve gotten them excited about reading, together, tune into these subsequent films with the same titles.
Theodor Geisel, or Dr. Seuss, is a widely regarded author of many popular children’s books. (Gene Lester/Getty Images)
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- “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” 1966, 2000, 2018
- “The Cat in the Hat,” 2003
- “Horton Hears A Who!,” 2008
- “The Lorax,” 2012
1. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” 1966, 2000, 2018
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was originally written in 1957 and has been adapted to film three times.
The first movie version of this book was an animated TV special released in 1966. Nearly 40 years later, in 2000, a live-action version of the book was introduced to audiences. In this rendition of the classic story, comedian and American actor Jim Carrey steps into the role of the grouchy Grinch.
The Grinch hates Christmas and goes to extreme measures to take holiday happiness from the festive Whos of Whoville. This movie was well-received and continues to be a Christmas classic enjoyed by families year after year. Take note that there are a few parts of the movie that could be seen as scary for young viewers.
Taylor Momsen, Christine Baranski, Jeffrey Tambor, Molly Shannon, Bryce Dallas Howard and other actors also star in this adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has been adapted to the screen three times since the book was initially released. (Universal/Getty Images)
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In 2018, another animated version of the film featuring British actor Benedict Cumberbatch was released. Cumberbatch voices the beloved character, the Grinch, in this film. Rashida Jones, Mindy Sterling, Pharrell Williams, Kenan Thompson and other actors also voice parts for the movie.
2. “The Cat in the Hat,” 2003
The live-action version of “The Cat in the Hat” featured Mike Myers as the playful, yet troublesome main character. The film’s cast also includes Kelly Preston, Alec Baldwin, Dakota Fanning and Spencer Breslin.
The 1957 book follows two young bored siblings who are visited by a mysterious and entertaining talking cat while their mother is away.
While the movie follows the same basic premise, there are significant changes between the book and the movie.
Be mindful that there are jokes dusted throughout that may not be appropriate for very young children.
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3. “Horton Hears A Who!,” 2008
Carrey returned to the world of Seuss in 2008 for an animated voice role in “Horton Hears A Who!”
Steve Carell, Will Arnett, Carol Burnett, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Amy Poehler and other actors also voice characters in this film.
This movie is based on the 1954 book about a sweet elephant named Horton. The adoring animal stumbles upon a small speck that happens to be the home of the tiny people of Whoville. Horton devotes himself to keeping the people of Whoville safe, even though no other animals believe that anyone actually lives on the speck.
Throughout both the book and the movie, Horton shares the message, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
“The Cat in the Hat” was made into a film starring Michael Myers, Alec Baldwin and Dakota Fanning in 2003.
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4. “The Lorax,” 2012
“The Lorax” Dr. Seuss story revolves around an underlying message of environmental protection.
The Lorax, who “speaks for the trees,” is voiced by American actor and filmmaker Danny DeVito. The young boy, Ted, who learns of the mystical Lorax is voiced by Zac Efron. Taylor Swift, Betty White, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle and other actors also voice characters in this tilm.
The Lorax story, in an endearing and light-hearted way, shares the importance of protecting the environment and appreciating nature.
