Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!

All the children who attend Diffendoofer School enjoy their zany teachers and the bizarre lessons that they teach. But when a big test comes on the scene that threatens to shut down the whole school and ship the children off to dull Flobbertown for school if they don't succeed, will the children be able to face the challenge?

Dr. Seuss had been tinkering with writing this story at the time of his death, and Jack Prelutsky does an excellent job tying together the notes left behind by Dr. Seuss into a full-fledged story. While this isn't a pastiche per se, Prelutsky has managed to write a book that does seem rather Seussical both in storyline and prose.

Meanwhile, Lane Smith's illustrations are absolutely amazing. They are clearly Smith's show more style and don't look like a typical Seuss book at first glance. However, Smith employed a collage style into his usual oil paintings to pay homage to Dr. Seuss by including images from Seuss's many works into these illustrations in ways that are rather meaningful (i.e., when there's a line in the text about the gym teacher lifting elephants, it's Horton's face we see over the illustration of the elephant). There's even the Easter egg of a photograph of Dr. Seuss tucked inside one of the page spreads.

If you can't get enough Dr. Seuss, this is the book for you! Even you aren't a hard-core Seuss fan, this book stands up well enough on its own as an ode to creativity and individuality in the face of mindless conformity and sinking down to the lowest common denominator. show less

In my opinion this is a great book the encourages creativity and differences amongst children. The language was very descriptive and patterned because the entire book rhymed. The writing is engaging and has non-sensical words and names such as Flobbertown and Diffendoofer. The characters are not as believable as real like characters however the teacher in the book inspires all the children in the school which is definitely a relatable character to other students who are inspired by their teachers. The illustrations were bright and went along with the story well to keep the readers engaged throughout the story. The book pushes readers to expand their creativity and that it is okay to be different.

We're big Seuss fans in my household, and this one is no exception. I appreciate the delightfully bizarre artwork ....totally different than the typical Seuss we've all come to know and love.

Written in the typical Seuss rhyming style, the storyline is both entertaining and creative. We love this one!

Started by Dr. Seuss, finished by Jack Prelutsky, and illustrated by Lane Smith, Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! is a joyous ode to individuality starring unsinkable teacher Miss Bonkers and the quirky Diffendoofer School (which must prove it has taught its students how to think--or have them sent to dreary Flobbertown). Included is an introduction by Dr. Seuss's longtime editor explaining how the book came to be and reproductions of Dr. Seuss's original pencil sketches and hand-printed notes for the book—a true find for all Seuss collectors! Jack Prelutsky and Lane Smith pay homage to the Good Doctor in their own distinctive ways, the result of which is the union of three one-of-a-kind voices in a brand-new, completely original book show more that is greater than the sum of its parts. For all of us who will never forget our school days and that special teacher, here is a book to give and to get. show less

Bright, colorful, lively illustrations complement this "new" Dr. Seuss story. It was published posthumously based on an unfinished story that his editor uncovered. The editor called on Jack Prelutsky and Lane Smith to complete and illustrate the story. Look closely at the illustrations and you will find original art by Dr. Seuss.
The first part of the book is the story of Diffendoofer School and its strange teachers. The teachers there encourage the students to learn all sorts of seemingly crazy things. The teachers at Diffendoofer are different but Miss Bonkers is “different-er” than the rest.
The familiar rhythm of Dr. Seuss tells a story that seems to be a comment on boring rigid instruction and standardized testing. The students show more at Diffendoofer score “10000000%” better than the students at the dreary school in Flobbertown where everyone “does everything the same.”
The second part tells the story of how the book came to be. It is a fascinating look at the creative genius of Dr. Seuss. It is also a tribute to creative teachers that focus on the whole child rather than simply the test taker.
Audience: Grades K-6; and teachers show less

I love this book and its rhyming scheme! Its a great story about how learning is about thinking and problem solving not taking a test. The message in this book is wonderful and is absolutely something that I will use in my own classroom. There are many opportunities provided by this book that can start a conversation about real learning in the classroom.

Started by Dr. Seuss, finished by Jack Prelutsky, Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! is a joyous ode to individuality starring unsinkable teacher Miss Bonkers and the quirky Diffendoofer School (which must prove it has taught its students how to think--or have them sent to dreary Flobbertown).