Reviewing a Dr. Seuss book is a lot like evaluating oxygen and recommending breathing. Everybody already knows and appreciates oxygen and breathing, so it seems a little needless. But since we sometimes take things for granted, perhaps I can offer a memory refreshment on the genius of Dr. Seuss and his special brand of books. In this “essentials,” I share six of my favorite Dr. Seuss books and celebrate their greatness. The Beginner Books division of Random House boasts that these books allow kids to read by themselves. But trust me, you won’t want to be left out on the fun.

Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss
I include Horton out of nostalgia. This 1940 classic, you see, was my first introduction to Dr. Seuss. It is one of the first Dr. Seuss books published, and while the illustrations may not be as colorful and modern-looking as his more recent books, the imaginative storyline is every bit as fun and exciting.

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
No doubt one of the most popular pieces of children’s literature, this book is perfect for a rainy day. In fact, it’s about two kids stuck in the house on a rainy day. How long has it been since you read The Cat in the Hat? Do you remember all that Cat’s silly tricks? Do yourself a favor and take another look. And, no, I haven’t seen the movie. Why spoil my larger than life childhood imagination with the confines of the big screen?

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Perhaps this work is not an outright effort to teach a moral of tolerance, but in its celebration of all things unique, I can’t help but pick up on that. In another of Dr. Seuss’ linguistic delights, he rhymes a message of acceptance and stresses that differences make life entertaining: “From near to far / from here to there / funny things are everywhere.”

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Green Eggs and Ham is rollicking good fun and probably a close second to The Cat in the Hat in popularity. It starts out much like a cartoon, introducing Sam-I-am through bubble dialogue as he zips page to page. Among the others, this book contains some of the most outlandish images and perhaps the most hilarious rhymes. But wait… I’m losing the magic of the story with my analysis. The bottom line is that this book, just like the rest, is downright fun. And yet this book attempts one of the hardest efforts: encouraging kids (of any age) to try new things.

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! by Dr. Seuss
This title is one of the later Dr. Seuss books and is a tribute to the power of imagination. The fact that it is a more recent book is really evident in the color printing. Unlike the basic two-tone shaded sketches of Horton and the early books, Dr. Seuss’s illustrations here are a little more contemporary and employ much more color. It contains not so much a story like The Cat in the Hat, but more of an elaboration on the endless possibilities of our imagination. You’ll spend most of the time, though, just trying to take in the wildly colorful illustrations. This book may well be the pick of the younger youngsters among us.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
The first time I graduated from college, my parents gave me this book. I would have never thought that reading a children’s book on my first day as a college graduate would have been so profound and such a significant moment. But in the simplicity of its message and its infinitely optimistic tone, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! reminds us of life’s open-ended possibilities. Share this book with someone you believe in, and he or she will never forget it.

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Lee Ann Alexander is writing ninetyandnine.com’s new book column every month until they stop printing books. (Happily for us, she thinks she’s getting the best end of that deal.)