Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! (1975)

Little Kid Reaction: One of the all-time favorite author's of early reading children's book demonstrates that you have the power to think about all kinds of things. I like how the book encourages the children to ask questions about all of their thoughts. I would definitely recommend this book for beginning readers and to be read aloud to the toddler just learning to speak, or pre-school group reading. The brings out laughter of the imagination of what you are able to think about.

Big Kid Reaction: Every Dr. Seuss book I've ever read has made me laugh and celebrate the power of imagination. I would definitely count Oh the Thinks You Can Think among his best.

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A fun read aloud for 4-7 year-olds who are Dr. Seuss books. This story generates thoughts and ideas, showing the importance of people and minds. I think it'd tie into a diversity lesson showing how we all think differently. ( )

This is a great book to use with children to introduce them to poetry and rhyme. It is a very creative book as all Dr. Seuss books are and it allows for children to explore their own creativity as well. This book is about all of the things that you can think about and challenges children to think creatively. ( )

Genre: Fantasy

Review: Through the use of fantasy, Dr. Seuss created a story that reminds students to always use their imaginations! The tale from the start has vivid pictures and words that encourage the students’ imaginations to work and create their own machines and building projects. As the story is told, it reminds students that if they can THINK, they can wish and thus make creative things using their imaginations. Along with encouraging students to use their imaginations, the story also encourages creativity with fun illustrations and interesting words. No matter how old or young, this story will remind all that their imaginations are important and they should always remember to use them!

Characterization: Within this story, there are no concrete or specific characters. As the story develops, it “thinks” up different creative animals and objects. There is a “
Peter the Postman” who is developed within the story. As we read, we learn that he crosses the ice just “once every day” but on Saturdays, he does twice.

Media: Markers, Acrylic Paints.

The Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!, is a counterpart to the graduation favorite, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Like that other, more recognizable text, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! details the endless possibilities that await us in our lives and reminds us that anything is possible if we use our imagination. As is par for the course with Dr. Seuss, there are a variety of made-up creatures (guffs, snuvs, etc.) whose names and appearances are sensationally silly and will undoubtedly entertain young children. The artwork is archetypal Dr. Seuss, with characters that will remind readers of the Grinch, Horton the elephant, and the Lorax; and, as is usual with Dr. Seuss, the images can be somewhat frightening or disconcerting for younger children, so parents should be very considerate of the age and maturity of their children. That being said, the theme of the story is truly remarkable: we should not ever limit our imaginations. Behind all of the silly, made-up language that is typical for Dr. Seuss, there is a timeless message that will be inspiring for children and adults alike.

Citation:
Dr. Seuss. Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! New York: Beginner, 1975. Print. ( )