A diverse group of writers and illustrators are collaborating on new Dr. Seuss books based on the author’s never-before-seen artwork.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises confirmed the new books will be based on unpublished illustrations housed at University of California San Diego.
The company was started by Dr. Seuss’ family members last year. They are looking for a diverse group to add their creativity to the author’s work. The family also wants to make Dr. Seuss’ content more appropriate for today’s audiences. For example, the family decided to withdraw six Dr. Seuss books from publication that have “racist and insensitive” images.
In And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street an Asian person is inappropriately depicted by wearing a conical hat, holding chopsticks and eating from a bowl. If I Ran the Zoo contains a drawing of two bare-footed African men wearing grass skirts and their hair tied above their heads. Other inappropriate images appear in McElligot’s Pool, On Beyond Zebra!, Scrambled Eggs Super!, and The Cat’s Quizzer.
The Seuss family wants the new books to appeal to all audiences, and they have assembled a production team that can deliver on this idea.
“We look forward to putting the spotlight on a new generation of talent who we know will bring their unique voices and style to the page, while also drawing inspiration from the creativity and imagination of Dr. Seuss,” expressed Susan Brandt, President and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
The books target readers from ages four to eight. They will be developed under Seuss Studios and published by Random House Children’s Books.
“The original Dr. Seuss sketch that serves as the inspiration for each of the new Seuss Studios books will be included in the book, along with a note from the creators explaining how they were inspired and their process,” the company added.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises has not yet disclosed the writers and illustrators working on these projects.