“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.”
Who would ever believe that the popular children’s book, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, has been banned? Working in the elementary schools, I do take the time to focus on Earth Day and environmental issues. Every year, I share The Lorax with my classes because I think that this book is a wonderful introduction for children about respecting and taking care of the earth. Obviously, not everyone shares my belief since this book was banned in 1989 by the Laytonville, California School District because the book “criminalizes the forestry industry.”
In The Lorax, the Once-ler wants to cut down all of the Truffula Trees to make Thneeds for money. The tree-loving Lorax tries to stop the Once-ler. As the Once-ler destroys more of the trees and builds more factories, more of the surrounding environment is destroyed until the very last Truffula Tree is cut down. With no more trees, the factories are no longer profitable. They close. The area is polluted and the town becomes deserted with only the Once-ler left to tell his story. Fortunately, the Once-ler has saved one seed to give to a young child.
“You’re in charge of the last of the Truffula Seeds. And Truffula Trees are what everyone needs. Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care. Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air. Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack. Then the Lorax and all of his friends may come back.”
The book ends with hope that the earth can be saved. It only takes one person to make some change. Wow! This book should be an inspiration to both children and adults because of its powerful message! The Lorax will always remain one of my favorites!
Happy Reading! ~Donna
Read it or Weep 