The Annotated Cat

The Annotated Cat

by Philip Nel

While a bit too dry/scholarly for most classrooms, this could still be an interesting reference book and certainly helps illustrate the importance of editing and rewriting for young authors. If Dr. Seuss himself has to work hours on one page and try many different words in a sentence to get it just right, maybe that will encourage students to keep working.

I love annotated editions because I like knowing where the ideas came from and how the story and art takes shape over the creative process.  This is a great book for Seuss fans, talks a lot about his early years and the effort to improve beginning reader books. The author tends to repeat himself, how many times can one bash poor ol' Dick, Jane, and Spot, but overall interesting and worth a look.