Seussical Terhi-tivity

Whimsical Dr. Seuss Inspired Holiday Trees

After visiting the Dr. Seuss art exhibit, the kids and I were inspired to do some weird and wonderful, dare I even say, "Seussical" art. We went to a local park and picked up some interesting looking branches with seed pods. I am ashamed to tell you that I do not know what plant those branches came from. I can tell you all about the trees and plants of Finland, but my knowledge of the local plants here in Southern California is really limited. Please, educate me if you recognize the branches :-D

We brought the branches home. Took out some acrylic paints and had some fun painting some of the leaves and tops of the seed pods.

Here are some pictures of the end result. 

The kids had fun naming our Seussical tree. Windula and Whims Noel were our favorites. If you would like to make a Seussical tree of your own, you will only need the following items:

• branches of any trees or bushes
• paint brushes
• acrylic paint
• a vase

What I love about Dr. Seuss' art is that it is not perfect. It is interesting and unusual. Until next time, make something! Something fun! Just like Dr. Seuss would! And I would love to receive a picture of your creation!

Terhific Recommendation on 5 Top Notch Dr. Seuss Products

 Seussical Fun!

Would you like to have some Seussical fun with little ones this holiday season? Look no further, here are our family's favorite Dr. Seuss items.

1. Cat in the Hat I Can Do That! Game

Pros: The game gets the whole family giggling and being silly together! The game pieces are whimsical and the kids have fun hopping, twirling, crawling and balancing. There is nothing funnier in my kids eyes than to see their daddy crawl through the "Trick-a-ma-stick" on the floor. Cons: Some of the game pieces are made out of plastic foam. They can break easily. But it is easy enough to replace the pieces by simply drawing the pictures into cardboard and cutting them out.

2. Fox in Socks (Beginner Books)

Pros: By the time we get to the the page when the beetles battle in a bottle, we are all just roaring with laughter. Dr. Seuss' silly tongue twisters are sure to entertain all ages! Cons: If you are not careful, you may sprain your tongue!

3. Dr. Seuss Learning Cards: Opposites

Pros: Little ones get to learn the meanings of words with little help from Dr. Seuss. Our 4-year-old loves the card with tall and short kids. He so badly wants to be one of those tall, big kids! Cons: You might have to giggle while looking at the illustrations.

4. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (I Can Read It All by Myself)

Pros: This is a perfect picture book for a beginning reader. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish was my daughter's first book which she was able to read aloud all by herself! Now, a couple of years later, she still loves this book! Cons: You might have to read this book to your child over and over again until they are able to do so by themselves.

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Classic Seuss)

Pros: It took me a few years to warm up to Grinch, but now it is one of my favorites! It is heartwarming to read about the change of hearts in Grinch. I would love to be one of the Whos in Whoville, singing Christmas carols together! This book helps you get into Holiday mood! Cons: The character of Grinch can be scary for young children.

I hope these product ideas are helpful. I would love to hear what are your favorite Dr. Seuss books, games and toys!

Exuberant Celebration of Dr.Seuss

Cat in the Hat, what do you know about that?

Did you know that Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss was from San Diego? I lived here several years before I discovered that interesting fact. In the past, I'd seen Dr. Seuss sculptures around the Hotel Del in Coronado, and now there is a fabulous exhibition at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park. The kids and I were excited when we heard the exhibit had opened, so we hopped in the car to check it out for ourselves.

Immediately upon entering the exhibit, we were immersed in Theodor Geisel's imaginary world. The kids giggled at the funny animals on the Unorthodox Taxidermy wall. The fuzzy tail of the turtle caught my son's eye. My daughter loved the fish which looked more like a chainsaw.

 The whole setting of the exhibit was cheerful, and the whimsical furniture added to the fun.

While the kids were busy making hats and "truffula" trees...

 

... I looked at some pretty awesome art work.

If you'd like to take a first hand look at Theodor Geisel's art, I recommend you go and visit the San Diego History Center by the end of the year. It is a lot of fun for adults and children alike. Here is a link to the event: Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss  I would love to hear from your experience at the exhibit, thus, please do come back and post a comment!

After we got back from the museum, I asked the kids to go and gather all Dr. Seuss related books, toys and games from their bedrooms. That resulted in an exuberant night filled with tongue twisters and laughter. In my next post, I will share our favorite Dr. Seuss items.

Until then, take a moment to read a few of your favorite Dr. Seuss books. Those tongue twisters get me every time!