For the first time in 25 years, a new Dr. Seuss book has entered the bedtime story rotation. The manuscript for "What Pet Should I Get?" was discovered in 2013 in a box of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author's notes and sketches.
Audrey Geisel, the widow of the beloved Theodor Seuss Geisel, found the material for the latest book in their La Jolla home. When publisher Random House Children's Books first announced the publication in February, Audrey told City News Service, "It is especially heartwarming for me as this year also marks 25 years since the publication of the last book of Ted's career, 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!'"
The author's friend and biographer Judith Morgan said "What Pet Should I Get?" was pulled out of what Geisel called his "bone pile." The characters in the latest book are the same characters in the book, "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish," which was published in 1960.
"Every time he tried something and it didn't work he'd set it aside," said Morgan of the author who died in 1991. "Just single sheets usually."
The theme of making up your mind in "What Pet Should I Get?" was a battle that Geisel himself had, Morgan said.
"He could never make up his mind," Morgan said. "He had a favorite saying which was, 'On the other hand, other hand, other hand though.'"
Publishers expect to release two other books based on notes from Geisel's "bone pile."
The San Diego History Center in Balboa Park will celebrate the release of the new book from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The event will include a Seuss-themed scavenger hunt and hourly readings of the new book
