Theodor Seuss Geisel, more famously known as Dr. Seuss, was a towering figure in children's literature, whose work has left an indelible mark on the genre. Born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to German-American parents, Geisel embarked on a journey that would see him become one of the most beloved authors of children's books in history. His academic pursuits took him from the public schools of Springfield to Dartmouth College, where he became editor of the Dartmouth Jack-O-Lantern. It was here that he first used the pseudonym "Seuss." After Dartmouth, he contributed to The Judge magazine, signing his work as "Dr. Seuss."

Geisel's academic journey continued at Lincoln College, Oxford, aiming for a D.Phil in literature. However, love altered his course; he married Helen Palmer in 1927 and returned to the United States without completing his degree. Back home, he carved out a career publishing humorous articles and illustrations in prestigious outlets like The Judge, The Saturday Evening Post, Life, Vanity Fair, and Liberty. The Great Depression saw him supporting himself and his wife through commercial illustrations for giants such as General Electric and NBC.

Geisel's first book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, emerged from an ocean voyage epiphany in 1937. World War II shifted his focus to political cartoons and propaganda, including serving in the Animation Department of the First Motion Picture Unit of the U.S. Army Air Forces. Post-war, he returned to children's literature with renewed vigor, producing classics like The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham. His works, characterized by imaginative characters, rhymes, and an undercurrent of social and environmental themes, have sold over 600 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 20 languages.

In recognition of his contributions, Geisel was awarded two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation. His legacy is celebrated annually on his birthday, March 2, known as National Read Across America Day. Dr. Seuss's life was marked by creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to children's literature, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations.