I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!

It doesn't matter how old I get, but I can't help but being charmed by the Dr. Seuss books. This one in particular is extra endearing because it's all about the joys of reading. Seuss makes an excellent and whimsical thesis that one must keep at least one eye open so that one is able to fully appreciate the full range of knowledge that books can offer us, and as a fellow book addict I can 100% get behind his message! This book is also very well designed to entice early readers, as many of Dr. Seuss' beginner books are, because it artfully combines tongue in cheek language that is easy to read, entertaining illustrations to fully engage readers, and absolutely hilarious rhymes that I'm sure keep young readers wanting to puzzle out what's show more coming next. The Cat in the Hat may have been the start of the beginner books from Dr. Suess, but I much prefer the randomly whimsical story (or lack there of, honestly) and far superior illustrations of this book! show less

Still a bit disappointed that my previous Dr. Seuss book was not drawn by Dr. Seuss, I went to my local used bookstore and randomly chose one that was and in great condition. Little did I know what a gem I had purchased.

Its basic message encourages reading. But it’s truly SO much more.
“Reading with my eyes shut
I don’t do an awful lot.”
This book encourages having an open mind, continuously learning, continuously exploring, doing new things, going to new places. When you don’t, you don’t accomplish much, you are not letting new ideas in, and you just don’t do an awful lot.
“Young cat! If you keep
your eyes open enough,
oh, the stuff you will learn!
The most wonderful stuff!”
The rhymes are funny and effective; the artwork show more is entertaining. I really do want to know “what you should do about owls on noses”. :) show less

While Dr. Seuss's childrens book "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut" is not one of his most well known books, it is a classic that I can say is a staple of my childhood. The reason I love this book is that it's main message is one that homes to reinforce the idea that reading is the best thing in the world. The absurdity of being able to "read with your eyes shut" is typical of the kind of illogical events found in Dr. Seuss's works and keeps the reader interested and entertained throughout. The crazy illustrations and colorful landscapes typical of a Seuss book keep me analyzing and thoroughly engrossed in the book as a whole. I've spent countless hours looking over every page trying to find every little detail. I can honestly say that this show more book is one that jump-started my love for reading which still exists to this day. Overall the books message of "reading is fun" is one that I believe many need to identify with especially at a young age and also why this book is very dear to my heart. show less

In my opinion, this is one of the most valuable books written by Dr. Seuss, because in addition to offering an important life lesson, this story encourages children to enjoy books by associating reading with silliness and imagination. The book also references a very important piece of the reading process: fluency. For example, Dr. Seuss mentions reading fluency when he writes, “You have to be a speedy reader ‘cause there’s so, so much to read.” The writing in the story flows well, due to the fact that it is well-paced and could engage a variety of audiences and ages. The language used in this text is consistent with the same whimsical style unique to Dr. Seuss. For example, using his infinite imagination, Seuss makes up his own show more words. In the story, there is an instrument that the author creatively names a “hut-zut.” I Can Read with My Eyes Shut also contains a copious amount of rhyming language, also typical of Dr. Seuss, which can make the text fun and silly to read aloud. “You can learn about ice. You can learn about mice. Mice on ice. And ice on mice.” This story is accompanied by Dr. Seuss’ distinctive illustrations that are detailed, cheerful, and colorful. These illustrations really enhance the text, as well as the silly mood of the story. In a sense, the story is light and fun, but alternatively, it offers a very powerful central message. The big idea is to always keep your eyes open to what the world has to offer so life doesn’t pass by before you realize it. show less

I like this book for two reasons. One reason is that I like the way that Dr. Seuss uses rhyming and nonsense words to make the story more interesting. For example, when the cat in the hat gives reasons about why you should read with your eyes open, he writes, “You can read about trees… and bees… and knees… and knees on trees… and bees on threes”. Bees on threes. That sounds very funny. By using these rhyming words, it makes the book even more enjoyable. Another reason I like this book is because of the illustration Dr. Seuss drew. All of the pages are filled with color and some of the text is even inside some of the illustrations. This allows the reader to be engaged with the text. The drawings have many characters that look show more like every day animals, but have their own twist to them that make them look funny. For example, one of the pictures shows a green, friendly looking crocodile wearing purple pants. Do crocodiles where pants? No. That is why this book is so cool. These pictures and the text connect the message stressing the importance of early literacy because the story itself is ridiculous. With its rhyming words and silly pictures, it shows readers what a world of literacy can give you. As Dr. Seuss says, “The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. show less

Dr. Seuss is a legend. No one can change my mind. I think just about any Dr. Seuss book is a good read aloud choice, but "I Can Read with my Eyes Shut" is a particularly amazing one! The book mocks reading in a silly way, with a fun story line and bright colors for the kids. In the end however, it highlights how reading can be fun! I think this is a great read aloud book because it can help kids who are nervous when they read feel more comfortable, and relate to the book

Nothing like a Dr. Seuss book to get the day started. This book promotes reading using the rhymes we've all come to love. This book is absolutely great and now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go read with my eyes shut. =D