Oh, the Places You'll Go!
#1 of 31 in Classic Seuss Series
on Goodreads (427,287)
What’s inside...
This is a book that gives advice about life and its challenges. It encourages the reader to find their own path and face their problems head on. Dr. Seuss’s wonderfully wise words guide the reader through the journey of self-discovery and empowerment. For out-starting upstarts of all ages, here is a wonderfully wise and blessedly brief graduation speech from the one and only Dr. Seuss! In his inimitable, humorous verse and pictures, he addresses the Great Balancing Act (life itself, and the ups and downs it presents) while encouraging us to find the success that lies within us. 'And will you succeed? Yes! You will indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)' A modern classic, Oh, the Places You'll Go! was first published one year before Dr. Seuss's death at the age of eighty-seven. In a mere fifty-six pages, Dr. Seuss managed to impart a lifetime of wisdom. It is the perfect send-off for children starting out in the maze of life, be they nursery school grads or newly-minted PhD's. Everyone will find it inspired good fun. With his unique combination of hilarious stories, zany pictures and riotous rhymes, Dr. Seuss has been delighting young children and helping them learn to read for over fifty years. Creator of the wonderfully anarchic 'Cat in the Hat', and ranked among the world's top children's authors, Dr. Seuss is a global best-seller, with nearly half a billion books sold worldwide.
Discussion points
What is one place you would love to visit and why?
How did the main character handle challenges? What can you learn from that?
What does 'success' mean to you, as shown in the book?
What emotions did you feel while reading this book, and why?
If you could add another adventure in the book, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to connect their personal experiences with the book’s themes. Ask open-ended questions and listen actively to their responses. Share your own stories related to the book’s messages to deepen the conversation. Highlight the importance of perseverance and optimism portrayed in the book. Lastly, keep the discussion light and enjoyable to instill a love for reading and learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and overcoming challenges
Explanation: The narrative follows the protagonist through various challenging landscapes and scenarios, emphasizing perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by facing academic or social challenges with determination and understanding that setbacks are part of growth.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and independence
Explanation: As the character embarks on a journey alone, the story illustrates the importance of self-reliance and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take initiative in new activities or decisions, fostering independence.
Example Lesson: Optimism and embracing the unknown
Explanation: The book consistently presents unknown situations in a positive light, demonstrating an optimistic outlook.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach new experiences or changes in life with a positive attitude, seeing opportunities rather than obstacles.
Example Lesson: Making choices and their consequences
Explanation: The protagonist encounters various paths and makes choices, showing that decisions shape one's journey.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of decision-making and encourages them to think about the potential outcomes of their choices.