a am and anywhere are be boat box car could dark do eat eggs fox goat good green ham here house I if in let like may me mouse not on or rain Sam say see so thank that the them there they train tree try will with would you
Above are 50 words.
Dr Seuss accepted a challenge from his publisher to write a book using only 50 words. In 1960, he did just that.
Green Eggs and Ham was born.
I deem this book, one of the best books on the planet, and here’s why:
- It tells a story using only the above words, and uses it in a cumulative way.
- It encourages toddlers to eat “green things”, which is a constant struggle in my house.
- It’s about being open minded- which, let’s face it, we could all be a little bit more of.
But for me, the real reason why I am so in love with this book right now is because…
I’m exhausted.
This book keeps my two year old happy in his crib when I need to brush my teeth.
This book saves me from bedtime battles.
This book gives me moments of peace throughout the day while my son sits quietly, trying to memorize it.
And when the old, curmudgeonly character in the book finally decides to try green eggs and ham, Bam Bam squirms, and claps, and says “hooray”! And that gives me the little boost I need to get through the rest of our bedtime routine, or lunchtime routine, or meltdown, or crisis.
And well, if I must be honest, we are having a bit of a problem in my house.
A very serious problem.
*sigh*
My son has decided to live with his finger up his nose.
dig. dig. dig. dig. dig.
One of the few times he takes it out, is to put whatever “boogie” he has found into his mouth.
The exception being… when I read this book. (Apparently, the whole encouraging toddlers to eat green things doesn’t apply here.)
He instead becomes so enthralled with the story, that he sits intently, with his “booogie” perched on the end of his index finger.
He just forgets to eat it.
And for some miraculous reason, after I read the closing lines of the book:
I do so like green eggs and ham!
Thank you!
Thank you,
Sam-I-am!
He just gives me a huge grin, shoves his finger at me and says expectantly, “I got a boogie.”
I am then able to grab it with a tissue and send it off to it’s resting place.
So, Happy 50th Birthday, Green Eggs and Ham. Thank you Dr. Seuss for those 50 words. It was well worth the 50 bucks you won from your publisher in that bet.
I thank you.
Tired mommies and daddies thank you.
And trust me, “boogies” everywhere thank you.
*****
I’m sure you’ve heard me tweet about the HAM IT UP video contest. There is still time to enter!
It runs from September 21st – November 3rd, and you can enter at http://www.Seussville.com/GreenEggsContest
They’re giving away limited edition art from the Dr. Seuss estate, as well as $$$.
Go be creative, or something! It’s good for the soul.
*****
Also, I’m feeling uber daring- so, in honor of Dr. Seuss, I will write a post using only 50 words. These 50 words will come from you. Leave a comment below, and ONE word suggestion. I will cut it off at 50.
It will either be brilliant, or it will suck. But if I can save the life of even one “boogie” it will be worth it.
*****
*Margot, over at BeAffinitive.com gifted me two copies of the anniversary edition of Green Eggs and Ham on behalf of Random House. Don’t worry, I will find a way to make sure one of you gets one.
A moment of peace is priceless in my house too!
Also- boogies, boogies everywhere! Why? I don't get it! What are they looking for up there?
I will be easy on you for my word suggestion: THE
How much do you love me for that?
I am forever grateful for the word \”the\”.
Can\’t write anything without an article here and there.
What a fun pos-my son loved Green Eggs and Ham when he was little! How about aardvark for one of your words?
Make sure you come to my Creative Tuesday writing meme, I’d love to see more of your writing!
http://www.alittlebiteoflife.net/2010/10/creative…
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In our house it's all about Hop on Pop and The Cat in the Hat. Good luck with the boogers, I mean at least he isn't spreading them around the house?
One word: Guitar
My recent post All I got to say today
OK, I love this post. I love GReen Eggs and Ham, my girls loved it and do love it.ANything that teaches tolerance and open mindedness in a world and time where there is so little of it is high on my list of must reads:)
DOn't be too hard on your little boogie boy, just keep the kleenex handy and grab 'em when you can.Believe me a boogie here and there won't damage him.As long as he is not forcing you to partake of his appetizer:)
My word for you: pulchritudinous
Because can't we all use a little more pulchritudinous in this world! Happy Mothering my friend!
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Oh dear…
so stinkin cute! jeez. Who knew – just 50 words.
Ok – my word.
Fluffernutter
That work?
Regarding the nose digging. I'd take that over the 'hands down the pants' any day.
My recent post Would I Lie to You Honey
I don’t think I can top *pulchritudinous* but I’m sure I might probably need some. How about some verbage? Let’s go with…floating!
I do so adore Dr. Seuss, and you and this post!
We love anything Dr. Suess in this house!
Hmmm a word huh? how about SHOVEL
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My word for you is and. You deserve a helpful one after the ones I read above!
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Dr. Seuss has saved many an exhausted mom and dad over these years. I’m glad he’s saving you – a little bit anyway!
Great post! LOVE Green Eggs and Ham. My dad used to go around the house reading it as 'Elmer Fudd'. I also have a great pic of my son (4 at the time) reading it to his Great-Grandma who suffers from Dementia. It is such a classic and you are such a classy gal for paying tribute.
Ok, my word: US
You rock.
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Obfuscate!
Y\’all are killing me… for realz.
OMGosh you crack me up! My 2 year old works his finger in his nose CONSTANTLY. And all 4 of my boys have brought me boogies. Never the less, I find crustified ones hiding everywhere. THe woes of a mother….when the leave, I’m getting all new furniture!
Crystal
My word is fairy.
And sorry about the boggies …. wish I could say it gets better. <3
Okay, this post is awesome!
I’m gonna check out that video contest too- my family is full of hams.
My word for you is…
sing. Or sang. Or sings.
Crap, I can’t even pick a tense.
Thank you for that lovely, NORMAL word- who cares about tense
**PERHAPS I FORGOT TO MENTION TO YA\’LL THAT THE WORDS DR. SEUSS HAD TO USE WERE 5th GRADE LEVEL AND BELOW!
YES, THIS IS IN ALL CAPS.
YOU ARE REALLY SPANKING MY BOTTOM ON THIS.**
Love the Doc. And the nose thing is an ongoing problem in our house too. With my son AND daughter, who has newly discovered the joys of nose-picking after watching her brother for quite some time.
We need some more verbs. So my word for you:
jump!
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Peace and Quiet is a rare thing in my house nowadays with a two year old. I do love some Dr. Seuss. Makes me want to go check out some Dr. Seuss books for my daughter. Ok my one word for you to use will be…………Purple
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A favorite of my childhood that I shared with my son many a night in the rocker……Thank you, Thank you.. Sam I am.
My word: gratitude
My 4 yr old just ate green eggs in preschool last week! They were reading Green Eggs and Ham too. (We have a copy at home as well.)
1 word… how about: Pancake.
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