Books

There's a Newly Discovered Dr. Seuss Book Coming!

by Caitlin White

Just when you thought Harper Lee would own the "beloved author finds never-released manuscript and will publish it" news this year, the favorite children's book author of all time jumps in to join her. The late Dr. Seuss' new book What Pet Should I Get? will hit shelves in July. Dr. Seuss, whose real name is Theodore "Ted" Geisel, wrote and illustrated the manuscript as a sequel to One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and his widow Audrey Geisel found it in late 2013 but has held onto it until now. Perhaps because 2015 is the anniversary of Dr Seuss' final book published in his lifetime (and perennial graduation gift) Oh The Places You'll Go!

In a statement to the publisher Random House, Audrey remarked on her late husband's love for his work:

While undeniably special, it is not surprising to me that we found this because Ted always worked on multiple projects and started new things all the time — he was constantly writing and drawing and coming up with ideas for new stories.

According to the book's page on Seussville.com, What Pet Should I Get? will follow two children as they try to pick out the perfect pet for their family.

What happens when a brother and sister visit a pet store to pick a pet? Naturally, they can’t choose just one! The tale captures a classic childhood moment—choosing a pet—and uses it to illuminate a life lesson: that it is hard to make up your mind, but sometimes you just have to do it! Told in Dr. Seuss’s signature rhyming style, this is a must-have for Seuss fans and book collectors, and a perfect choice for the holidays, birthdays, and happy occasions of all kinds.

The end of the book will also have a section discussing both Dr. Seuss's editorial and creative process, but his love for real-life animals and the magical creatures he creates for his stories. Random House Children's Books president and publisher Barbara Marcus made the announcement to the public.

To be able to share this newly discovered Dr. Seuss book that was created during a most prolific period in his career marks a special moment in children’s book publishing .. The millions and millions of children and adults who have learned to love reading because of Dr. Seuss can now look forward to adding this treasure to their beloved collections.

What Pet Should I Get? joins The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories, Horton and the Kwuggerbug and More Lost Stories, Daisy-Head Mayzie, My Many Colored Days, and Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! as poshumous Dr. Seuss publications, though the first two compiled stories already seen by the public in Redbook magazine. Just think: Come July you can now have a built-in baby shower gift that you'll really buy and keep for yourself to read when you're feeling a little glum.