The Lorax
Classic Seuss Series
on Goodreads (358,926)
What’s inside...
The Once-ler describes the results of the local pollution problem. Celebrate Earth Day with Dr. Seuss and the Lorax in this classic picture book about sustainability and protecting the environment! Celebrate nature with Dr. Seuss and the Lorax in this classic picture book about sustainability and protecting the environment! I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. Dr. Seuss's beloved story teaches kids to treat the planet with kindness and stand up and speak up for others. Experience the beauty of the Truffula Trees and the danger of taking our earth for granted in a story that is timely, playful, and hopeful. The book's final pages teach us that just one small seed, or one small child, can make a difference. Printed on recycled paper, this book is the perfect gift for Earth Day and for any child--or child at heart--who is interested in recycling, advocacy, and the environment, or just loves nature and playing outside. Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. 'Pretty much all the stuff you need to know is in Dr. Seuss.' -President Barack Obama
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would happen to our world if we didn’t take care of our trees and forests?
Why do you think the Once-ler kept cutting down trees, even though he knew it was bad for the environment?
How do the actions of one person, like the Lorax, make a difference in protecting the environment?
What can we do in our everyday lives to take care of the Earth like the Lorax wanted?
How did the story make you feel about the way we treat our planet?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their own relationship with nature and discuss ways they can help protect it.
Ask your child to draw parallels between their own actions and those of the characters in the book.
Reflect on the notion of responsibility and stewardship with your child, discussing how everyone has a part to play in environmental conservation.
Use the story's vivid illustrations to talk about the visual differences between a healthy environment and a damaged one.
After reading, consider exploring more about conservation efforts and maybe plan a family activity that supports the environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: The Lorax advocates for the trees and speaks against their destruction, illustrating the importance of conservation and respect for nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be mindful of their impact on the environment, understanding the importance of recycling, conserving water, and protecting green spaces.
Example Lesson: The Consequences of Greed
Explanation: The Once-ler's over-exploitation of the Truffula Trees for profits leads to environmental degradation, highlighting how greed can have destructive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value sustainability over material gains and to think about long-term consequences of their actions on the community and environment.
Example Lesson: Speaking Up for What's Right
Explanation: The Lorax's persistent efforts to defend the forest demonstrate the impact of standing up for one’s beliefs, despite opposition.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to voice their opinions on important matters and to stand up for themselves and others in situations of injustice or harm.
Example Lesson: Hope and Redemption
Explanation: The story concludes with the Once-ler giving the last Truffula seed to a child, symbolizing hope and the possibility of making amends.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the power of restoration and that it's never too late to correct mistakes and make positive changes.