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Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
The timeless classic from the iconic Dr. Seuss – now available in ebook. Read this classic favourite anytime, anywhere!
From fun times and triumphs to lurches and slumps, Dr. Seuss takes an entertaining look at the adventures that life may have in store for us.
This brand new ebook edition is perfect for everyday reading for all ages, as well as for those important life events such as graduations, changing school, weddings or christenings.
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 UK’s top ten favourite children’s authors, Dr. Seuss is a global best-seller, with over half a billion books sold worldwide.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 1990
1237 people are currently reading
153569 people want to read
About the author
Dr. Seuss
974 books18.3k followersAlso wrote as Theodore Seuss Geisel, see https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born 2 March 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He graduated Dartmouth College in 1925, and proceeded on to Oxford University with the intent of acquiring a doctorate in literature. At Oxford he met Helen Palmer, who he wed in 1927. He returned from Europe in 1927, and began working for a magazine called Judge, the leading humor magazine in America at the time, submitting both cartoons and humorous articles for them. Additionally, he was submitting cartoons to Life, Vanity Fair and Liberty. In some of his works, he'd made reference to an insecticide called Flit. These references gained notice, and led to a contract to draw comic ads for Flit. This association lasted 17 years, gained him national exposure, and coined the catchphrase "Quick, Henry, the Flit!"
In 1936 on the way to a vacation in Europe, listening to the rhythm of the ship's engines, he came up with And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, which was then promptly rejected by the first 43 publishers he showed it to. Eventually in 1937 a friend published the book for him, and it went on to at least moderate success.
During World War II, Geisel joined the army and was sent to Hollywood. Captain Geisel would write for Frank Capra's Signal Corps Unit (for which he won the Legion of Merit) and do documentaries (he won Oscar's for Hitler Lives and Design for Death). He also created a cartoon called Gerald McBoing-Boing which also won him an Oscar.
In May of 1954, Life published a report concerning illiteracy among school children. The report said, among other things, that children were having trouble to read because their books were boring. This inspired Geisel's publisher, and prompted him to send Geisel a list of 400 words he felt were important, asked him to cut the list to 250 words (the publishers idea of how many words at one time a first grader could absorb), and write a book. Nine months later, Geisel, using 220 of the words given to him published The Cat in the Hat , which went on to instant success.
In 1960 Bennett Cerf bet Geisel $50 that he couldn't write an entire book using only fifty words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham . Cerf never paid the $50 from the bet.
Helen Palmer Geisel died in 1967. Theodor Geisel married Audrey Stone Diamond in 1968. Theodor Seuss Geisel died 24 September 1991.
Also worked under the pen name: Theo Le Sieg
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born 2 March 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He graduated Dartmouth College in 1925, and proceeded on to Oxford University with the intent of acquiring a doctorate in literature. At Oxford he met Helen Palmer, who he wed in 1927. He returned from Europe in 1927, and began working for a magazine called Judge, the leading humor magazine in America at the time, submitting both cartoons and humorous articles for them. Additionally, he was submitting cartoons to Life, Vanity Fair and Liberty. In some of his works, he'd made reference to an insecticide called Flit. These references gained notice, and led to a contract to draw comic ads for Flit. This association lasted 17 years, gained him national exposure, and coined the catchphrase "Quick, Henry, the Flit!"
In 1936 on the way to a vacation in Europe, listening to the rhythm of the ship's engines, he came up with And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, which was then promptly rejected by the first 43 publishers he showed it to. Eventually in 1937 a friend published the book for him, and it went on to at least moderate success.
During World War II, Geisel joined the army and was sent to Hollywood. Captain Geisel would write for Frank Capra's Signal Corps Unit (for which he won the Legion of Merit) and do documentaries (he won Oscar's for Hitler Lives and Design for Death). He also created a cartoon called Gerald McBoing-Boing which also won him an Oscar.
In May of 1954, Life published a report concerning illiteracy among school children. The report said, among other things, that children were having trouble to read because their books were boring. This inspired Geisel's publisher, and prompted him to send Geisel a list of 400 words he felt were important, asked him to cut the list to 250 words (the publishers idea of how many words at one time a first grader could absorb), and write a book. Nine months later, Geisel, using 220 of the words given to him published The Cat in the Hat , which went on to instant success.
In 1960 Bennett Cerf bet Geisel $50 that he couldn't write an entire book using only fifty words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham . Cerf never paid the $50 from the bet.
Helen Palmer Geisel died in 1967. Theodor Geisel married Audrey Stone Diamond in 1968. Theodor Seuss Geisel died 24 September 1991.
Also worked under the pen name: Theo Le Sieg
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,052 reviews
June 13, 2025
All my life I’ve had an outstandingly risible optimism. My Mom started me young - she gave me the ole Seuss spirit. Never say die, boys!
Yep. She had that ne’er-say-die Seuss spirit in spades, especially when she’d half-sing, half peal out... like a ringing Angelus Bell...
One more river
And that’s the River Jordan!
One more river
An’ that’s the river to cross!
Growing up, whenever “authority” and “would-be authority” would turn up the heat under my feet, I danced through it all.
An easy victim perhaps, though somehow I had faith that somehow everything would turn out in the end.
Sometimes the happy ending was just too embarrassed to show up in person in my life!
But I just kept on slogging.
Oh, the places you’ll GO!
And you’ll find ‘em alright, those places -
Not all of them pleasant - by ANY stretch of the imagination.
But you’ll make it through the storm - and you’ll SHINE ON, kid!
They’re forecasting rain? Well, the Kingdom of Oz is just over that rainbow... see it?
There’s a Bluebird on my shoulder...
It’s the truth. It’s actual -
Everythin’ is SATISFACTUAL!
When you tumble down through the roaring flood
Down, down into the fearsome sluice
Just boogie on down - cause the Lord, He Loves ya!
(“Ditto!” says doughty old Dr. Seuss!)
Oh, the Places you’ve BEEN!
You know, these days I’m into Emily Colson’s incredible story of how she endured so many extraordinarily painful years of parenting a severely handicapped, hopelessly autistic son, Max.
How did she cope?
She realized, one landmark day, that in spite of all his tormented flaws, she deeply, hopelessly LOVED that lost little bundle of Sheer Joy!
That was the day she discovered his and her Humanity. But you know what her REALLY big insight was?
It came later on.
Suddenly... she knew she was REALLY, HONESTLY PROUD of this mixed-up little kid. So proud, in fact, that she wanted to take him - and her absolute doting love for him - PUBLIC!
That’s right.
They were both once again gonna be card-carrying members of the Human Race.
Bullies, Begone!
Who CARES what the bullies say or do? Love is REAL.
Cause we’re ALL hopeless in our ways... EACH ONE of us.
And we’re ALL LOVABLE in our broken humanity, too, to the Big Guy up There! And He’ll take care of us.
OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO, NOW!
Not being perfect. Not being socially acceptable in your allotted role. Not being fixable. No.
Being Brokenly, Happily Human.
Being just our Lost, Lovable, Flawed Selves...
Know WHY? ...because He LOVES Us - Because we’re Ourselves. And the Bullies are Crude Façades. Cartoons of themselves.
And that’s how she, and I, and everyone who’s gotta heart always know EVERYTHING will be OK in the end.
Oh, the PLACES WE’VE BEEN!
IN SPITE OF the Mad Grinch, the Monstrous Oobleck, even that Evil Cat in the Hat - We DID it, kid!
ALL BY OURSELVES.
And with a Whole TRUCKLOAD of Loving Help from Upstairs.
Yep. She had that ne’er-say-die Seuss spirit in spades, especially when she’d half-sing, half peal out... like a ringing Angelus Bell...
One more river
And that’s the River Jordan!
One more river
An’ that’s the river to cross!
Growing up, whenever “authority” and “would-be authority” would turn up the heat under my feet, I danced through it all.
An easy victim perhaps, though somehow I had faith that somehow everything would turn out in the end.
Sometimes the happy ending was just too embarrassed to show up in person in my life!
But I just kept on slogging.
Oh, the places you’ll GO!
And you’ll find ‘em alright, those places -
Not all of them pleasant - by ANY stretch of the imagination.
But you’ll make it through the storm - and you’ll SHINE ON, kid!
They’re forecasting rain? Well, the Kingdom of Oz is just over that rainbow... see it?
There’s a Bluebird on my shoulder...
It’s the truth. It’s actual -
Everythin’ is SATISFACTUAL!
When you tumble down through the roaring flood
Down, down into the fearsome sluice
Just boogie on down - cause the Lord, He Loves ya!
(“Ditto!” says doughty old Dr. Seuss!)
Oh, the Places you’ve BEEN!
You know, these days I’m into Emily Colson’s incredible story of how she endured so many extraordinarily painful years of parenting a severely handicapped, hopelessly autistic son, Max.
How did she cope?
She realized, one landmark day, that in spite of all his tormented flaws, she deeply, hopelessly LOVED that lost little bundle of Sheer Joy!
That was the day she discovered his and her Humanity. But you know what her REALLY big insight was?
It came later on.
Suddenly... she knew she was REALLY, HONESTLY PROUD of this mixed-up little kid. So proud, in fact, that she wanted to take him - and her absolute doting love for him - PUBLIC!
That’s right.
They were both once again gonna be card-carrying members of the Human Race.
Bullies, Begone!
Who CARES what the bullies say or do? Love is REAL.
Cause we’re ALL hopeless in our ways... EACH ONE of us.
And we’re ALL LOVABLE in our broken humanity, too, to the Big Guy up There! And He’ll take care of us.
OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO, NOW!
Not being perfect. Not being socially acceptable in your allotted role. Not being fixable. No.
Being Brokenly, Happily Human.
Being just our Lost, Lovable, Flawed Selves...
Know WHY? ...because He LOVES Us - Because we’re Ourselves. And the Bullies are Crude Façades. Cartoons of themselves.
And that’s how she, and I, and everyone who’s gotta heart always know EVERYTHING will be OK in the end.
Oh, the PLACES WE’VE BEEN!
IN SPITE OF the Mad Grinch, the Monstrous Oobleck, even that Evil Cat in the Hat - We DID it, kid!
ALL BY OURSELVES.
And with a Whole TRUCKLOAD of Loving Help from Upstairs.
June 15, 2012
"It's opener there
in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.
And then things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too."
-Dr. Seuss
I had never read this book from cover to cover, but I was familiar with it from quotes used in speeches and publications. The dean of our college read us a passage to close the graduation ceremony, and even then I did not appreciate how appropriate that passage was for someone entering the real world.
I had forgotten about this book until just recently when I came across a copy and began to read to pass the time. Upon finishing, I was surprised and deeply touched at how simple yet sincere the book's message was. While the book is cute and very appropriate for children, I think it takes an adult to understand and sympathize with the message. The book talks about our journey through life, with all its disappointments and happiness, its unpredictability and uncertainty. As someone who was recently faced with difficult personal and professional choices that veered from plans established years before, I especially took much of this book to heart.
I will return to this book again and again in the future. It's a book that reminds you life is hard and can be lonely, but that despite the difficulties, we can all persevere. The words are simple and upbeat, but behind the colorful images is an unflinching optimism that inspires.
December 24, 2014
This is my All-Time-Number-One-Favorite children's book.
Period.
I've read it to my kids so many times over the years that you'd think I'd be immune to it by now.
But I'm not.
I still get all EMOTIONAL when I read it.
Which, normally, would make me run in the opposite direction.
But.
OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!
Yo'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to great heights.
Yep. That's exactly what I want for my young'uns!
Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don't.
Because, sometimes, you won't.
Noooo! Now they're stuck in a LURCH!
Which is pretty frickin' scary for a parent! Nobody wants their babies to get stuck in a LURCH, because those inevitably lead to SLUMPS!
And un-slumping yourself is not easily done.
It takes a while to un-slump, and in the meantime they could end up in The Waiting Place.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.
Thankfully, (according to Seuss) they'll somehow escape the Waiting Place.
Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.
Yes! They'll be ok!
Except when they don't.
Because, sometimes, they won't.
I'm afraid that some times you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.
All alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot.
At this point, I'm usually bleary-eyed, in case you were curious.
And exactly what is this guy a Dr. of, anyway?!
He's certainly not Dr. Feelgood!
But on you will go
though the weather be foul.
On you will go though your enemies prowl.
On you will go though the Hakken-Krak howl.
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.
Holy Shit! What if I'm not there to help them through all of this!? They've got sore arms and leaky sneakers, for God's sake!
Mommy's coming, sweetheart!
You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act
I'm slinging snot everywhere by the time I get to this part.
Seriously, Seuss? You're killing me!
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
I'm usually nothing more a puddle of sniveling Mom-goo, as my voice cracks on the last line. And whatever unfortunate kid I happen to be reading to is simultaneously trying to comfort me, while also trying to escape my vice-like grip.
"I, um, love you too, Mom.
*oof!*
Mom, seriously, I'll be fine.
*cough*
Mom, you can let go now.
*wheeze*
Mom...you're choking me.
*gurgle*
Yes. Yes! I swear, I'll call you every day when I get older!"
Period.
I've read it to my kids so many times over the years that you'd think I'd be immune to it by now.
But I'm not.
I still get all EMOTIONAL when I read it.
Which, normally, would make me run in the opposite direction.
But.
OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!
Yo'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to great heights.
Yep. That's exactly what I want for my young'uns!
Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don't.
Because, sometimes, you won't.
Noooo! Now they're stuck in a LURCH!
Which is pretty frickin' scary for a parent! Nobody wants their babies to get stuck in a LURCH, because those inevitably lead to SLUMPS!
And un-slumping yourself is not easily done.
It takes a while to un-slump, and in the meantime they could end up in The Waiting Place.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.
Thankfully, (according to Seuss) they'll somehow escape the Waiting Place.
Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.
Yes! They'll be ok!
Except when they don't.
Because, sometimes, they won't.
I'm afraid that some times you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.
All alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot.
At this point, I'm usually bleary-eyed, in case you were curious.
And exactly what is this guy a Dr. of, anyway?!
He's certainly not Dr. Feelgood!
But on you will go
though the weather be foul.
On you will go though your enemies prowl.
On you will go though the Hakken-Krak howl.
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.
Holy Shit! What if I'm not there to help them through all of this!? They've got sore arms and leaky sneakers, for God's sake!
Mommy's coming, sweetheart!
You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act
I'm slinging snot everywhere by the time I get to this part.
Seriously, Seuss? You're killing me!
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
I'm usually nothing more a puddle of sniveling Mom-goo, as my voice cracks on the last line. And whatever unfortunate kid I happen to be reading to is simultaneously trying to comfort me, while also trying to escape my vice-like grip.
"I, um, love you too, Mom.
*oof!*
Mom, seriously, I'll be fine.
*cough*
Mom, you can let go now.
*wheeze*
Mom...you're choking me.
*gurgle*
Yes. Yes! I swear, I'll call you every day when I get older!"
August 3, 2017
A gift on my high school graduation... something I will always treasure. It answers all of life's questions for a young one trying to decide their future!
As a children's book, the rhyming and cartoon-like at helps keep focused attention. But it's the words that are so simple, yet so evocative in their minds. Certain stanzas stay with you. People quote it both in fun and in sincerity when thinking about what to do.
It's books like this that help children figure out that reading is not just educational, it's fun. I don't have children, but I've read it to a few younger cousins and some kids I babysat from time to time. The expressions on their face make it worth it.
Give it a shot as an adult if you never did as a child.
As a children's book, the rhyming and cartoon-like at helps keep focused attention. But it's the words that are so simple, yet so evocative in their minds. Certain stanzas stay with you. People quote it both in fun and in sincerity when thinking about what to do.
It's books like this that help children figure out that reading is not just educational, it's fun. I don't have children, but I've read it to a few younger cousins and some kids I babysat from time to time. The expressions on their face make it worth it.
Give it a shot as an adult if you never did as a child.
April 22, 2009
Written for children from age 1 to 100. Embrace new adventures and changes in your life!
May 2, 2017
All aboard!!!
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS!
Congratulations!
Today is your day,
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
No wonder this was the last tale by Dr. Seuss while he was alive (there are two more books, published posthumously)…
…and I am sure that he is now visting great places!
This is a charming tale about the journey of each of us in our lives, BUT...
...what I really liked was that Dr. Seuss don’t lie to us.
He exposes during the rhythmic narrative, that not everything will be peaches-and-ice-cream in life, that we’ll have enjoyable moments in life, BUT...
...also testing times, we’ll have happy events, but also sad crisis, along the journey, not matter if good or bad, if we keep walking forward, we always will be meeting new places, new people, new moments…
…building full and complete lives.
What are you still doing here?
Engage!
You have places to go!!!
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS!
Congratulations!
Today is your day,
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
No wonder this was the last tale by Dr. Seuss while he was alive (there are two more books, published posthumously)…
…and I am sure that he is now visting great places!
This is a charming tale about the journey of each of us in our lives, BUT...
...what I really liked was that Dr. Seuss don’t lie to us.
He exposes during the rhythmic narrative, that not everything will be peaches-and-ice-cream in life, that we’ll have enjoyable moments in life, BUT...
...also testing times, we’ll have happy events, but also sad crisis, along the journey, not matter if good or bad, if we keep walking forward, we always will be meeting new places, new people, new moments…
…building full and complete lives.
What are you still doing here?
Engage!
You have places to go!!!
October 7, 2018
”You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
I was not expecting a kid’s book to be so incredibly profound?? This picture book follows an unnamed narrator (“You”) as they take off on the journey called life. This journey takes them through indecision, anxiety, loneliness and failure—- but also excitement, triumph and happiness.
This was a really beautiful story. I loved that it wasn’t sugar-coating things for kids. Seuss understood that hard times would happen, and he wanted kids to prepare without being scared. the end result is perfectly balanced.
While I loved it, the four-year-old I was reading to also loved it. The illustrations, rhyming and general excitement keep the story interesting. The rhyme-scheme flowed very well and the word-play was fun. I didn’t mind reading this one each time small-fry asked.
Kid Lit Experiment 2018 #5
May 6, 2015
I never enjoyed Dr. Seuss books. They never 'spoke' to me. Just a bunch of silly rhymes and ok illustrations. However, they seem to have inspired the sort of devotion in some people that I have for the original pre-Disney A.A. Milne Winnie The Pooh books . This book was no exception. What fans call 'whimsical', I call 'cutsie' and sugary-sweet and very unappealing. Perhaps that is why Disney books are so popular in the US and A.A. Milne with his irascible Eeyore and annoyingly mother-y Kanga are still more popular in the UK?
When my son was too young to understand the sense of words but liked the rhyme, I read him The Song of Hiawatha and other poetry with fun rhythms. I don't think it would have made any difference if I had read him Seuss instead, but it made a big difference to me, I enjoyed reading Hiawatha out loud. Seuss, not so much.
When my son was too young to understand the sense of words but liked the rhyme, I read him The Song of Hiawatha and other poetry with fun rhythms. I don't think it would have made any difference if I had read him Seuss instead, but it made a big difference to me, I enjoyed reading Hiawatha out loud. Seuss, not so much.
April 28, 2015
How did I ever miss this gem! Love Dr. Seuss!
March 18, 2012
Dr. Seuss is clearly the true essence of children’s books as he writes about life in a playful and lyrical way that children can easily understand. Well, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” is definitely no exception as it is about believing in yourself as you go out into the world. “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” is easily a book that every child should read whenever he or she are in a slump!
Basically, this book is about taking charge of your own life facing difficulties in your life such as loneliness, fear, and confusion, with a straight face and taking on life ahead of you in a lyrical prose that children will easily appreciate!
Oh my goodness! There are so many things that I loved about this book that it would take me all day to list them! For one thing, Dr. Seuss’ writing is clearly more memorable in this book as he tells children who are on their way to facing life ahead of them on their own to have positive attitudes and face their fears head on! I just loved the way that Dr. Seuss showed the upside and downside attributes of life all in a lyrical prose as the writing was truly creative and inspirational. I never would have thought that I would find a book about the tough trials of life that is so well-written and whenever I read this book, I think about the hardships I had to endure during my life, but then I realize that life always has its ups and downs and only you can decide what to make of your life, which is what Dr. Seuss has shown in this book. Probably my favorite verse in this book was this line:
“I’m afraid that some times,
You’ll play lonely games too.
Games you can’t win,
‘cause you’ll play against you.”
This was a truly powerful verse for me because it is saying that there will be times where you can succeed, but sometimes when you do not believe in yourself, you end up losing the game or not succeeding at all. Dr. Seuss’ illustrations are just as creative and surreal in this book as the main character is a young boy who wears a yellow jumpsuit and a yellow hat. The world that surrounds the boy is extremely surreal as the hills and the grounds are in multicolored stripes and the creatures that the boy meets along the way are also bizarre, especially of the image of the boy meeting a huge green monster that has black stripes on its body and short yellow bushy tail.
All in all, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” is easily one of Dr. Seuss’ best works ever created and it should be read to any child who graduates from school! I would recommend this book to children ages three and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
Basically, this book is about taking charge of your own life facing difficulties in your life such as loneliness, fear, and confusion, with a straight face and taking on life ahead of you in a lyrical prose that children will easily appreciate!
Oh my goodness! There are so many things that I loved about this book that it would take me all day to list them! For one thing, Dr. Seuss’ writing is clearly more memorable in this book as he tells children who are on their way to facing life ahead of them on their own to have positive attitudes and face their fears head on! I just loved the way that Dr. Seuss showed the upside and downside attributes of life all in a lyrical prose as the writing was truly creative and inspirational. I never would have thought that I would find a book about the tough trials of life that is so well-written and whenever I read this book, I think about the hardships I had to endure during my life, but then I realize that life always has its ups and downs and only you can decide what to make of your life, which is what Dr. Seuss has shown in this book. Probably my favorite verse in this book was this line:
“I’m afraid that some times,
You’ll play lonely games too.
Games you can’t win,
‘cause you’ll play against you.”
This was a truly powerful verse for me because it is saying that there will be times where you can succeed, but sometimes when you do not believe in yourself, you end up losing the game or not succeeding at all. Dr. Seuss’ illustrations are just as creative and surreal in this book as the main character is a young boy who wears a yellow jumpsuit and a yellow hat. The world that surrounds the boy is extremely surreal as the hills and the grounds are in multicolored stripes and the creatures that the boy meets along the way are also bizarre, especially of the image of the boy meeting a huge green monster that has black stripes on its body and short yellow bushy tail.
All in all, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” is easily one of Dr. Seuss’ best works ever created and it should be read to any child who graduates from school! I would recommend this book to children ages three and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
November 28, 2019
WrensReads Review:
THIS BOOK HAS SUCH DEEP MEANINGS IN IT.
It touches on anxiety and depression like you wouldn't believe, but in a nice way.
It wants you to get up! Go out! Do the things you want to do!
Don't Wait! Don't fright! You have to go and do you!
Seriously Wren, stop rhyming.
He touches on things involving how things won't go your way and you'll get down. Or you'll be worried you picked the wrong path. He continues on why it is okay and that it will be alright! I think this is important to read to kids. They should memorize this book.
Everyone should own, memorize and live by this book.
WrensReads | Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram
THIS BOOK HAS SUCH DEEP MEANINGS IN IT.
It touches on anxiety and depression like you wouldn't believe, but in a nice way.
It wants you to get up! Go out! Do the things you want to do!
Don't Wait! Don't fright! You have to go and do you!
Seriously Wren, stop rhyming.
He touches on things involving how things won't go your way and you'll get down. Or you'll be worried you picked the wrong path. He continues on why it is okay and that it will be alright! I think this is important to read to kids. They should memorize this book.
Everyone should own, memorize and live by this book.
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May 24, 2016
Upon the graduation of my firstborn last weekend, I decided to really read this book for the first time. I read many Dr. Seuss books to him over the years, but somehow this one never made it home with us.
What can I say? It's pretty amazing how deep truths can be conveyed in such simple rhymes. Seuss warns of setbacks in life, the danger of getting stuck in the dreaded "waiting place," the inevitability of lonely times, and the importance of remembering that life is a "Great Balancing Act." Simply brilliant!
Excerpt:
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!
What can I say? It's pretty amazing how deep truths can be conveyed in such simple rhymes. Seuss warns of setbacks in life, the danger of getting stuck in the dreaded "waiting place," the inevitability of lonely times, and the importance of remembering that life is a "Great Balancing Act." Simply brilliant!
Excerpt:
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!
May 2, 2021
✨One of the most important books I have ever read👍
It's so damn inspiring!
I would like to say it's not just for kids.
Like we all love 'The Little Prince' at different stages of our life, this book also serves as an important eye opening one for us (when we happen to lack motivation now and then).
This one will give you different perspectives on life on how to move forward.
The illustration is so damn amazing!
I felt like I was flying while reading this book.
Totally one of the best reads👌
It's so damn inspiring!
I would like to say it's not just for kids.
Like we all love 'The Little Prince' at different stages of our life, this book also serves as an important eye opening one for us (when we happen to lack motivation now and then).
This one will give you different perspectives on life on how to move forward.
The illustration is so damn amazing!
I felt like I was flying while reading this book.
Totally one of the best reads👌
June 12, 2019
You can’t go wrong with Dr Seuss when it comes to kids books. They love these books and will want to hear them over and over again.
December 4, 2017
This is a children's story book, but reading this feels like Dr. Seuss not only wrote this for young readers. He also deliberately target adult readers because the way it gives hope; it reminds us of the challenges and the success we might experienced on our journey in our lives.
January 21, 2016
...a most useless place:
The Waiting Place...
...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or the waiting around for a "Yes" or "No"
or waiting for their hair to grow
[or, in the most cases, waiting for Godot!]
Everyone is just waiting.
NO!
That's not for you!
Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying
You'll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing!
The Waiting Place...
...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or the waiting around for a "Yes" or "No"
or waiting for their hair to grow
[or, in the most cases, waiting for Godot!]
Everyone is just waiting.
NO!
That's not for you!
Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying
You'll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing!
August 19, 2019
One of my favourite Dr. Seuss books! I gave a copy to each one of my children when they graduated from high school!
September 5, 2012
…for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.”
“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And
you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
“You’ll get mixed up,
of course, as you
already know.
You’ll get mixed up
with many strange birds
as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great
tact and remember that…
…Life’s A Great
Balancing Act.”
“And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU’LL MOVE
MOUNTAINS!”
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.”
“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And
you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
“You’ll get mixed up,
of course, as you
already know.
You’ll get mixed up
with many strange birds
as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great
tact and remember that…
…Life’s A Great
Balancing Act.”
“And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU’LL MOVE
MOUNTAINS!”
August 10, 2018
A book for children and adults, it celebrates and instructs the reader on life's possible journey as you make your decisions along the way. Some of your journey will be adventurous and bright, while it may also be confusing, waiting, dark and scary. But, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." And in the end, "KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!"
This upbeat book about life's adventures and trials will entertain as well as educate readers. The cartoon-like illustrations keep the reader engaged with the texts. The rhyming keeps a jingle in the mind of the little character's journey on the pages. This book gives hope to the reader about the life decisions they will make along the way. Great for graduation or when the child is at a turning point in their life. Highly recommended.
This upbeat book about life's adventures and trials will entertain as well as educate readers. The cartoon-like illustrations keep the reader engaged with the texts. The rhyming keeps a jingle in the mind of the little character's journey on the pages. This book gives hope to the reader about the life decisions they will make along the way. Great for graduation or when the child is at a turning point in their life. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2017
THIS SIMPLE CHILDREN'S BOOK IS
This book has more depth, more heart, and is more inspiring than a lot of YA and NA
books I could mention, all put together. This is probably my best Dr. Seuss book yet.
This book has more depth, more heart, and is more inspiring than a lot of YA and NA
books I could mention, all put together. This is probably my best Dr. Seuss book yet.
You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. but mostly they're darked.
But mostly they're darked.
A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?”
You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!”
January 5, 2022
Dr. Seuss's ability of conveying strong important messages in such simple prose is truly astonishing.
The book is listed in the Ages 5+ section of the 1001 Children's Books to Read Before You Growup, but seeing so many American reviewers mentioning that they received received it as part of high school graduation shows the practical message of you being in charge of your own fate through choices can appeal to anyone.
Like all Seuss books the illustrations make up so much of the story.
There's certain paths to avoid and some bumps along the way, but with the right attitude and determination your almost guaranteed to succeed.
(Well 98 and 3/4 percent guarantee!).
The book is listed in the Ages 5+ section of the 1001 Children's Books to Read Before You Growup, but seeing so many American reviewers mentioning that they received received it as part of high school graduation shows the practical message of you being in charge of your own fate through choices can appeal to anyone.
Like all Seuss books the illustrations make up so much of the story.
There's certain paths to avoid and some bumps along the way, but with the right attitude and determination your almost guaranteed to succeed.
(Well 98 and 3/4 percent guarantee!).
September 14, 2017
This is a lovely book and quite different in many ways to much of Dr Seuss's classic children's books. For what is ostensibly a children's book, is perhaps nothing of the kind - this is a book which is most definitely for all of us. This is a story about the journey of life, it's about life's challenges, the successes and the happiness, along with the loneliness and the sadness of life. The good and the bad along with the happy and the sad - as it were.
In the hands of so many other authors / illustrators this could have been merely trite and vapid nonsense, giving us supposedly motivational thoughts in that almost always clichéd and stale way that we have all seen so many times before. But no - not with Dr Seuss; what we have here is something genuinely meaningful and thought-provoking, all presented in Dr Seuss's usual style - with fun, with vigour and with so much life.
It is not surprising to learn that this book has become a common gift now at graduation events - whether they be at Primary or Secondary School or University. In addition the text from the book also now has a life as a wedding reception speech. None of which is at all surprising.
Dr Seuss gives us apparently simple thoughts and observations on the journey of life, set down in rhyme in a seemingly straightforward but profoundly wonderful way - accompanied by his usual lovely illustrations.
A classic Dr Seuss book and one definitely not to be missed.
In the hands of so many other authors / illustrators this could have been merely trite and vapid nonsense, giving us supposedly motivational thoughts in that almost always clichéd and stale way that we have all seen so many times before. But no - not with Dr Seuss; what we have here is something genuinely meaningful and thought-provoking, all presented in Dr Seuss's usual style - with fun, with vigour and with so much life.
It is not surprising to learn that this book has become a common gift now at graduation events - whether they be at Primary or Secondary School or University. In addition the text from the book also now has a life as a wedding reception speech. None of which is at all surprising.
Dr Seuss gives us apparently simple thoughts and observations on the journey of life, set down in rhyme in a seemingly straightforward but profoundly wonderful way - accompanied by his usual lovely illustrations.
A classic Dr Seuss book and one definitely not to be missed.
March 5, 2021
In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2, I read this book to my daughter for bedtime. It was her first time. It was my 5,208th time, and I still love it.
"Oh, The Places You'll Go" is one of those books that everybody gets as a high school graduation present, but it's a book that can be read and enjoyed at any time. It should be noted that this was the last book written and published by Dr. Seuss before his death, so the book's message takes on a whole new meaning when put into that context.
Basically, this is a story about facing adversity, perseverence, out-of-box-thinking, and enjoying every moment of life. Good stuff regardless of politics or religious beliefs. Stuff you hope your children will read to their children one day.
"Oh, The Places You'll Go" is one of those books that everybody gets as a high school graduation present, but it's a book that can be read and enjoyed at any time. It should be noted that this was the last book written and published by Dr. Seuss before his death, so the book's message takes on a whole new meaning when put into that context.
Basically, this is a story about facing adversity, perseverence, out-of-box-thinking, and enjoying every moment of life. Good stuff regardless of politics or religious beliefs. Stuff you hope your children will read to their children one day.
March 28, 2013
I've had this book on my dresser for a long time, siting there saying read me, but my brain saying, but it's a kid book! Like, little, little kid book! Don't bother. So it sat there, in the waiting place. Just waiting. But in reality, I was in the waiting place. My god, I've been in the waiting place. What have I been doing all these years? Waiting! Just passing time. Not playing any games to win. Just waiting. How so sad. Not anymore. Who needs the gurus, preachers, god, etc, when you have this book. I got goosebumps reading this book. A little, little kid book has given me goosebumps. Pick your head up, kid, life's a great balancing act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left. Oh, all the places you'll shall now go.
July 16, 2017
This book contains a very powerful inspirational message for children and adults alike. It contains great wisdom about the trials and tribulations of life with a powerful message of life.
It contains a warning that we all need to heed: Except when you don't. Because sometimes you won't'
Something we all have to accept and deal with. Always at the basis is a very powerful message of hope :
"Kid , you'll move mountains". Unlike "Solla Sollew" , Dr Seuss acknowledges in this book that sometimes when all the options are unattractive we need to head right out of town.
And how right he is.
And as in all of Dr Seuss' remarkable books , it is filled with the most beautiful , dreamlike illustrations.
A must read for every child and adult!
It contains a warning that we all need to heed: Except when you don't. Because sometimes you won't'
Something we all have to accept and deal with. Always at the basis is a very powerful message of hope :
"Kid , you'll move mountains". Unlike "Solla Sollew" , Dr Seuss acknowledges in this book that sometimes when all the options are unattractive we need to head right out of town.
And how right he is.
And as in all of Dr Seuss' remarkable books , it is filled with the most beautiful , dreamlike illustrations.
A must read for every child and adult!
July 26, 2018
Dr. Seuss’s wife put this little book together from his works. This is for a mother reading to her baby in the womb and she is introducing all the zany characters of the Dr. Seuss world to the baby. The premise is we cannot wait for you to get here. It’s like a tour of the greatest hits. His wife uses Dr. Seuss’s word play and words so it does sound like a Dr. Seuss work.
My nephew really liked all the characters in this book. He said there needed to be a robot. He gave it 5 stars.
I did think it was fun to take a tour of all his characters in pretty much one sitting. All those good stories flashed before my eyes. The hits are covered anyway.
My nephew really liked all the characters in this book. He said there needed to be a robot. He gave it 5 stars.
I did think it was fun to take a tour of all his characters in pretty much one sitting. All those good stories flashed before my eyes. The hits are covered anyway.
June 7, 2015
I bought this for my youngest son who is graduating from high school in a few days.
“You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!”
The journey of the book is based on the journey of life, with some speed bumps along the way,
“I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
that Bang-ups
and Hang-ups
can happen to you."
But it never stops inspiring.
“And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)”
And my personal favorite,
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”
I hope he reads it. What a truly wonderful book!
“You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!”
The journey of the book is based on the journey of life, with some speed bumps along the way,
“I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
that Bang-ups
and Hang-ups
can happen to you."
But it never stops inspiring.
“And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)”
And my personal favorite,
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”
I hope he reads it. What a truly wonderful book!
March 27, 2022
"I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.'
All alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot."
Read
July 2, 2023Funny, I'd never read a Seuss book. I've been put under certain pressure at work (now being a librarian in an Roman and Anglo-Saxon city in the south of England, made entirely of cobbles, small cafes and tired little shops) to read outside my own circles of interest. On the one hand, my manager told me, all of our different tastes work well. I read a lot of classics and literary fiction, a bit of history and pop-science. J. reads children's books. T. reads old Shakespearean theory texts and art history. S. reads anything that strikes him as interesting. P. reads thrillers, anything that will keep him turning the pages. E. barely gets time to read around raising a child, but she can read in English, Russian or German. The other E. reads fantasy. The other other E. reads science-fiction and graphic novels.
But we can all expand our scopes to cover all bases, our manager suggests. So, the other day, whilst doing what is called a 'cosmetic tidy', I read this Dr Seuss book and found it surprisingly sentimental and, well, wise. A. tells me most kids books are deeper than adult books. He said I'll learn that soon.
But we can all expand our scopes to cover all bases, our manager suggests. So, the other day, whilst doing what is called a 'cosmetic tidy', I read this Dr Seuss book and found it surprisingly sentimental and, well, wise. A. tells me most kids books are deeper than adult books. He said I'll learn that soon.
June 5, 2016
"I'm afraid that some times you'll play lonely games too. Games you can't win 'cause you'll play against you. All Alone! Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something you'll be quite a lot."
I graduated yesterday and I received 3 copies of this book as gifts. I, of course, had seen this book around a lot, but I never actually read it. Well, right now I had the chance to sit down and read through it. And maybe I'm just overtly emotional, but I found myself tearing up reading Dr. Seuss' words. When he wrote this book I'm sure he had all ages on his mind. This book is indeed good for children, but I think those who can get the most out of this have to be high-school and/or college graduates. I'm happy he wrote this. I already read through it twice and I'm sure I'll do it many times over.
I graduated yesterday and I received 3 copies of this book as gifts. I, of course, had seen this book around a lot, but I never actually read it. Well, right now I had the chance to sit down and read through it. And maybe I'm just overtly emotional, but I found myself tearing up reading Dr. Seuss' words. When he wrote this book I'm sure he had all ages on his mind. This book is indeed good for children, but I think those who can get the most out of this have to be high-school and/or college graduates. I'm happy he wrote this. I already read through it twice and I'm sure I'll do it many times over.
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