Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr Seuss

Dr Seuss is generally associated with children’s books, but as an adult I like to take this picture storybook for motivation throughout my own life.  “Step with great care and great tact, and remember that Life’s, a Great Balancing Act.”  The story describes the journey of life and its challenges, the highs, the lows, the loneliness and the unknown.  Full of exciting illustrations and impressive rhymes, I feel this book can be taken as inspiration for all ages.  

Life does not always bring what you plan for, there will be twists and turns, and unexpected detours.  There will be decisions to be made, and exciting adventures.  There will be successes and failures, and we will learn from both.  Dr Seuss excellently depicts all of these various stages of life through his quirky images and poetic lines. From soaring to great heights in hot air balloons, to paddling through monster infested swamps, the illustrations demonstrate that both joy and fear are inherent to everyone’s life.    

This book is recommended for children aged 5 and up.  It gives a source of inspiration for children, showing that anything is possible, and not even the sky is the limit.  Illustrating physical and mental strength, and having to make difficult decisions, Dr Seuss shows that life requires determination and perseverance to carry on.  The current situation around the world is presenting similar challenges for everyone.  From home schooling to wearing masks, and being distanced from friends, children’s routines have dramatically altered. This book is vital in building their resilience to understand that life is not perfect, and to look for light at the end of the tunnel.   

With the rise of social media and instantaneous communication, there can often be the misconception that individuals are living the perfect life.  ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go!’ reinforces that everyone experiences both ends of the spectrum. This book’s metaphor for life is a perfect lesson for children, and motivation for the young, old, and even older to pursue their dreams and carry on despite any roadblocks that lie ahead.  

Are you interested in reading this book?