In 2017, a school librarian in Cambridge, Massachusetts, criticised a gift of 10 Dr Seuss books from first lady Melania Trump, saying many of his works were 'steeped in racist propaganda, caricatures and harmful stereotypes'.

School districts across the country have also moved away from Dr Seuss. The National Education Association, which founded Read Across America Day in 1998 and deliberately aligned it with Geisel's birthday, has for several years de-emphasized Dr Seuss and encouraged a more diverse reading list for children. Forbes listed him second on its highest-paid dead celebrities of 2020, behind only Michael Jackson.ĭr Seuss is adored by millions around the world for the positive values in many of his works, including environmentalism and tolerance, but there has been increasing criticism in recent years over the way black people, Asians and others are drawn in some of his most beloved children's books, as well as in his earlier advertising and propaganda illustrations. He remains popular, earning an estimated 33 million dollars (£23 million) before taxes in 2020, the company said. We then worked with a panel of experts, including educators, to review our catalogue of titles,' it said.īooks by Dr Seuss - who was born Theodor Seuss Geisel in Massachusetts on Mahave been translated into dozens of languages as well as in braille and are sold in more than 100 countries.

'Dr Seuss Enterprises listened and took feedback from our audiences including teachers, academics and specialists in the field as part of our review process. The decision to cease publication and sales of the books was made last year after months of discussion, the company said. The company did not offer specific examples of the controversial imagery. The six books are And to Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street, If I Ran the Zoo, McElligot's Pool, On Beyond Zebra!, Scrambled Eggs Super!, and The Cat's Quizzer. 'Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr Seuss Enterprises' catalogue represents and supports all communities and families.'

'These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,' Dr Seuss Enterprises said in a statement. By Asher publication of six Dr Seuss books has been cancelled because of racist and insensitive imagery contained in their pages, the organisation behind the titles confirmed today.

On beyond zebra racist images