Over60
Books

Six Dr Seuss books removed over racist imagery

Six Dr Seuss books will no longer be published as they contain racist and insensitive imagery.

"These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong," Dr Seuss Enterprises, the business that preserves and protects the author's legacy, said on Tuesday.

"Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr Seuss Enterprises' catalogue represents and supports all communities and families."

The six books that will no longer be published are:

  • And To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street
  • If I Ran The Zoo
  • McElligot's Pool
  • On Beyond Zebra!
  • Scrambled Eggs Super!
  • The Cat's Quizzer

The decision to cease sales and publication of these books was made last year after months of discussion.

"Dr Seuss Enterprises listened and took feedback from our audiences including teachers, academics and specialists in the field as part of our review process," it said.

"We then worked with a panel of experts, including educators, to review our catalogue of titles."

Books by Dr Seuss are popular worldwide, as they've been translated into dozens of languages and are sold in more than 100 countries.

Despite passing away in 1991, he earned an estimated 42.3 million before taxes in 2020.

However, school districts across the US are moving away from Dr Suess as many believe that Suess' works are "steeped in racist propaganda, caricatures and harmful stereotypes".

Dr Seuss Enterprises, however, said it was "committed to listening and learning and will continue to review our entire portfolio".

Tags:
books, dr suess, racist