And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street (by Dr. Seuss)

Young Marco weaves a tall tale about a Roman charioteer, an elephant, a zebra, and a menagerie parading down the title thoroughfare in this, the first of Dr. Seuss's many classics. The simple story is an indictment of stern, soul-crushing adults who stifle creativity, but it stands on its own two hooves as a colorful flight of fancy for kids.

Dr. Seuss's illustrations are as colorful, energetic, and fanciful as his writing: In one illustration, a blue elephant pulls a sled so fast that it and its passengers sail through the air.As with many of Dr. Seuss's other zany stories, this one rests on a foundation of indignation -- in this case, against sober-minded grown-ups who frown on children's delightful imaginations. One six-year-old, who also loves telling tall tales, requested this book again and again, but Marco fans may feel sad when the boy is too intimidated by his austere dad to tell his Mulberry Street tale.