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Where You'll Go, That's Up to You, You'll Enjoy This Book Before You're Through
Date of Review: Dec 9, 2008
The Bottom Line: A good Dr. Seuss book for older children and adults as well. Not the best for children who are just learning to read. Makes a great graduation gift.
Where You'll Go, That's Up to You, You'll Enjoy This Book Before You're Through.
I'm no Dr. Seuss, that's for sure. But haven't well all given it a try before? Oh The Places You'll Go is another timeless classic by the beloved author. This book is slightly different than many of his others in several ways.
#1 is that this book is much longer. It's 56 pages in all, and there is quite a bit of reading to do as well. Many of his other books are finished within a couple of minutes. Be prepared to spend more time with this one.
#2 is that the message is more grown up. Don't get me wrong. Children still enjoy the book. Yet, adults can get more out of this book as well. My parents gave this one to me many years ago when I graduated from college. I often read this story to my class at school on the last day before vacation begins. You see this right from the very beginning:
"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!"
The story itself is about going out on your own. The main character is a young boy walking out into the world. He's wearing a completely yellow outfit and stocking cap to match. Just like all adults know, there are many highs and lows when we go out in the world.
"I'm sory to say so
but, sadly, it's true
that Bang-ups
and Hang-ups
can happen to you."
Never fear though, this is still a Dr. Seuss book. Dr. Suess usually ends on an upbeat note and this book is no different. Regardless of the obstacles that you encounter, in the end it all works out.
"And will you succeed?
Yes! You will indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!"
(I love the illustration of the kid moving the mountain by the way).
Kids still enjoy it because there are many of the zany and loony characters that we've come to expect from Dr. Seuss. Along the way you meet Hakken-Kraks and Boom Bands. The typical Dr. Seuss illustrations are more geared toward the younger audience.
The book is written on a reading level about 3rd grade, but because of the length, some younger children do seem to get bored waiting for the entire book to be read aloud. My youngest child just likes to look at the pictures. As with most Dr. Seuss books, the lyrical verse makes reading the book more fun than just a plain story. The book is large, approximately 8 x 12 with lots of colorful illustrations. My text is a hardback edition. I've seen them in the price range of $15.00 to $20.00.
