Inspiration

The Cat in the Hat was first published in 1957 as Dr. Seuss' second book for children. It marked the transition of Theodor Seuss Geisel from successful advertising executive and political cartoonist to world-famous illustrator and children's author. The curious and intricate rhyming found in Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat is still adored decades later, with over eleven million copies sold and more than twelve different languages in print.

Productions

Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat was adapted for the stage and originally directed by Katie Mitchell. Famous for her heavy and intense productions of great dramas, Mitchell said, "The impulse to do this show is just an act of love from me to my child. And through her, for other children. I want to share the idea of making things, and storytelling and theatre, with little people."

Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat played the National's Cottesloe Theatre in London from December 16, 2009, through January 18, 2010. The production then transferred to the Young Vic.

The Australian production of Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat opened on December 29, 2012, and closed January 27, 2013. It was presented by Sydney Opera House, Andrew Kay and Garry Ginivan, in association with Singapore Repertory Theatre.

Cultural Influence

• In 1998, Random House created and launched an entire book series based on the Cat and Thing 1 & 2 with The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library.

• The story has been treated to numerous adaptations in animated media, film, literature and educational media over the last several decades,

• The Cat in the Hat was made into a feature film in 2003, starring Mike Myers as the Cat and Dakota Fanning as Sally. It was considered a commercial success, grossing over $130 million worldwide. Following its success, Universal announced future plans to produce a CGI adaptation of the original book.

Trivia

• Theodor Geisel first used the pen name, "Seuss," while studying at Dartmouth College.

• Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated 44 books in his lifetime.