And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street
By Robyn Raymer,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Colorful flight of fancy has problematic stereotypes.
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Based on 1 parent review
The moment where Shrek eats chips ahoy is so epic
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What's the Story?
In AND TO THINK THAT I SAW IT ON MULBERRY STREET, 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' many classics. The simple story is an indictment of stern, soul-crushing adults who stifle creativity and a colorful flight of fancy for kids.
Is It Any Good?
Seuss' illustrations here 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. But the illustrations in And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street that rely on ethnic stereotypes are problematic.
As with many of Dr. Seuss' other zany stories, this one rests on a foundation of indignation -- in this case, against sober-minded grown-ups who frown on kids' delightful imaginations. But Marco fans may feel sad when the boy is too intimidated by his austere dad to tell his Mulberry Street tale.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Marco's wild imagination in And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. What do you think of the stories Marco makes up?
What do you think of the relationship between Marco and his dad? Why wouldn't his dad want to hear his story?
What kinds of stories do you like to make up?
Book Details
- Author: Dr. Seuss
- Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
- Genre: Humor
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House
- Publication date: December 21, 1937
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 7
- Number of pages: 32
- Last updated: March 3, 2021
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