The Cat's Quizzer is a children's book written and illustrated by Theodor Geisel under the pen name Dr. Seuss and published by Random House on August 12, 1976. In March 2021, the book was withdrawn from publication by Dr. Seuss Enterprises due to images in the book that the estate deemed "hurtful and wrong".[1][2]
 Hardcover cover | |
| Author | Dr. Seuss |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Published | August 12, 1976 (renewed in 2004) February 1993 (reissue) Random House |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 72 |
| ISBN | 978-0394832968 |
| Preceded by | Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! |
| Followed by | I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! |
Plot
editIn the beginning of the book, the Cat in the Hat introduces the reader to Ziggy and Zizzy Zozzfozzel, saying that they both got 100%, but got every answer wrong, and then asks the reader the recurring question "are you smarter than a Zozzfozzel"? The questions in the book range from simple queries to questions difficult enough to wear the Cat out.
Withdrawal
editOn March 2, 2021, Dr. Seuss Enterprises withdrew The Cat's Quizzer and five other books from publication due to the inclusion of imagery they deem "hurtful and wrong".[3][4][5] The apparent reason for the book's withdrawal from publication is an illustration (on page 11) of a yellow figure in a conical hat with the caption, "How old do you have to be to be a Japanese?"[6]
Removing the books caused a surge in sales for other works by Seuss that impacted Amazon's charts in the United States. It was reported by CTV News that nine of the top ten best sellers were all books by Seuss, excluding the books that were removed.[7] As the collectors' value of the withdrawn books rose substantially, eBay also delisted the books.[8]
See also
edit- The Cat in the Hat, original 1957 book
References
edit- ^ Seuss, Dr (1976). Amazon.com: The Cat's Quizzer (Beginner Books(R)) (9780394832968): Dr. Seuss: Books. Beginner Books. ISBN 0394832965.
- ^ "The Cat's Quizzer". Barnes & Noble. 19 May 2001. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
- ^ Watts, Amanda; Asmelash, Leah (2 March 2021). "6 Dr. Seuss books would be withdrawn from publication because they portray people in 'hurtful and wrong' ways". CNN. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
- ^ Pratt, Mark (March 2, 2021). "Six Dr. Seuss books won't be published for racist images". CTV News. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
- ^ Gross, Jenny (March 2, 2021), "6 Dr. Seuss Books Will No Longer Be Published Over Offensive Images", The New York Times, retrieved March 2, 2021
- ^ Hopper, Tristan (March 3, 2021). "Here are the 'wrong' illustrations that got six Dr. Seuss books cancelled". National Post. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
- ^ Taylor, Brooke (March 4, 2021). "Dr. Seuss tops Amazon charts after 6 titles pulled over racist imagery". CTV News. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
- ^ Nicole Lyn Pesce (March 4, 2021). "EBay will delist 'banned' Dr. Seuss books being resold for thousands of dollars". Market Watch. Retrieved March 6, 2021.