Tools for this page
Print

Horton Hears a Who

(1954, Fiction - For Beginning Readers, Written by Dr. Seuss, Illustrated by Dr. Seuss)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    A whimsical tale with a stirring message.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    One of the villains (an eagle) is named Vlad Vlad-i-koff. In 1954 even liberal Seuss may have been catering to the notion that Russians were evil.
  • Violence & scariness:

    An eagle drops a dust speck full of tiny people and buildings onto the ground, causing moderate destruction. A gang of monkeys rope Horton and force him into a cage. Horton endures sneering and physical abuse from other animals that think he is crazy to
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Horton Hears a Who

Parents need to know that kids will cheer for huge Horton, defender of the small. They'll identify with the spindly little beings of the dust speck, and rail against the sour kangaroo and his monkey henchmen.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Horton's compassion. Why does he feel the need to help small, vulnerable beings? What does this teach us about how to treat others in the real world?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Horton Hears a Who?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 8 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    szqs1

    zs1q

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    aaa

    haaa

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Wyoming
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    its awesome

    I thought that book is very interesting.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    ilaughed!

    it was a great movie i liked it it was the best movie ever i want to watch it about a thousand times so i can crack up some more every time i see it.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Great book

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Book of the Week

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name