The Cat in the Hat is a classic tale that provides a valuable lesson of right and wrong or even more simply, following your conscience I believe. The children are placed in situations where they must learn to stand up for what they know is right. There are many contemporary books that teach that same value, perhaps not in the same way rhythmic manner that Dr. Seuss did, however, the messages are clear. Hoot by Carl Hiaasen would be an example of a book that presents that tension of right and wrong, yet is directed towards older children. In this book, teens are faced with the right and wrong choices faced when being bullied as well as the choices to make when it comes to standing up for what they believe in.
The Lorax is an interesting book that although published in 1971, its message is still relevant to today. I would think, that had the book been published in recent years, the message would not seem so controversial. The message of the Lorax is clear…specifically making one look objectively at the harm mankind is doing to our planet, whether it is with the deforestation of Earth or other important conservation issues of our day. It is didactic because it is illustrating how one person’s actions have consequences for all, whether it is in nature or moralistically. There are probably more didactic children’s books today than in the past because conservation of our Earth and protection of our environment or even endangered cultures has become socially acceptable to promote and teach about. There are many books today that teach the lessons of conservation. Some examples of these didactic books include:
Where Once There Was a Wood (REPRINT) by Denise Fleming
Older books on conservation:
The Wump World by Bill Peet
Why the Sky is Far Away – A Nigerian Folktale by Mary-Joan Gerson
Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg
Farewell to Shady Glade by Bill Peet.
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