"The Boy on Fairfield Street" by Kathleen Krull

Summary of The Boy on Fairfield Street by Kathleen Krull
Ted Geisel grew up on Fairfield Street in Springfield, Massachussetts.  Close to the public library and the zoo, Ted enjoyed lots of things.  He found little encouragement beyond his mother of his imaginative drawing and humorous escapades.  While he attended college, he was not studious like his sister.  Later in life he began drawing cartoons and received an encouraging response from a twelve year old boy.  It dawned on him that children would really like his ideas and he could share his love of animals, reading, and justice (freedom from the rules adults make).  The rest of his life was devoted to this endeavor, and he never wrote for adults again.  Several of his books, such as The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham, continue to be favorites as first readers for children even today.

Krull, K. (2004).  The Boy on Fairfield Street:  How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss.  New York, NY:  Random House, Incorporated.

Personal Impressions of The Boy on Fairfield Street
Ted Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, a.k.a. Ted or Theodore Lesieg, had a wonderful imagination and this book illustrates how unconventional his approach was in the early years.  If not for his mother, and later his wife, one might wonder if he would have ever persevered to undertake his love for creativity.  A good portion of determination and stubborness must have been a factor, as so few people gave him credit for his abilities. So many of us are glad he wrote for children with his fun antics, limited (sight word) plus phonics friendly vocabulary,  and unique illustrations. His books are loved and valued by most adults and children alike as a positive introduction into the world of reading. The illustrations in the book have a soft watercolor design, reminiscent of the turn of the century art during his young life.  A small example of Dr. Sueuss' art is provided on the bottom of each textual page.

Reviews of The Boy on Fairfield Street
"This picture-book biography is a winner. Ted Geisel was not an athletic child, and spent his free time roaming his neighborhood in Springfield, MA, and hanging out with his best friend. Except for encountering some strong anti-German sentiment, his childhood was ideally normal. The clear, large-type text concentrates on Geisel's youth. It delves a bit into his cartooning talent, honed while he was at Dartmouth College. The story ends with his successful career as Dr. Seuss still to come. An appended four-page section succinctly sums up his life and accomplishments. Johnson and Fancher's lovely, full-page illustrations are supplemented by samples of Dr. Seuss's artwork, including scenes from The Cat and the Hat and The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. A complete list of Seuss's titles, in chronological order, rounds out the title. Mae Woods's Dr. Seuss (ABDO, 2000) devotes more space to his adult life and career. Krull's work is a terrific look at the boyhood of one of the most beloved author/illustrators of the 20th century."
Review by Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI of School Library Journal and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

"Krull's (V Is for Victory) fond tribute to Dr. Seuss focuses on the well-loved author/artist's youth. Growing up in Springfield, Mass., Ted Geisel "feasted on books and was wild about animals" and "excelled at fooling around." The informal, anecdotal narrative explains that Geisel early on demonstrated a passion for drawing (even on his bedroom walls) "whatever popped into his head." He took only one art class, in high school, and quit when the teacher scolded him for "breaking rules" and told him he would never be successful. While attending Dartmouth, Geisel was admired for his "talent for silliness" and, Krull notes with comic irony, "He was clearly gifted, though no one knew at exactly what. It wasn't as if men could doodle for a living." The tale ends rather abruptly as the 22-year-old Geisel arrives in New York City to embark on his artistic career. A four-page addendum, presented in a smaller font, chronicles the highlights of Dr. Seuss's publishing career and provides intriguing tidbits about the creation of some of his beloved books. Johnson and Fancher's (New York's Bravest) representational, nostalgic paintings effectively evoke both the period and Geisel's appealingly puckish personality. Featured in spot art, familiar Seuss characters frolic through these pages, thematically complementing the illustrations while reminding readers why Geisel's life is worth celebrating."
Review by Publishers Weekly and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

Suggestions for Use in Library or School

For older students, encourage a look at Dr. Seuss books and how he challenged rules.  Have a discussion on why was he discouraged in his creativity and why do they think it was wrong.  Could it have prevented him from pursuing his goals and why didn't it?  Why are his books so memorable and excellent choices for beginning readers?  What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book and why?

For younger students, take a look at his illustrations and compare it to other children's books of his time.  Explain or discuss why people might have been reluctant in appreciating his imaginative approach for books.  Did you read his books when you first started reading?  What was your favorite and why?