On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Seuss believed children could spot a sermon coming from a mile away. That's why the author behind How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and The Lorax worked so carefully to give his stories moral weight without talking down to his young readers. The Grinch reflected Seuss's own complicated relationship with consumerism after years spent working in advertising, while The Lorax grew out of his anger over development around his California home and his belief that people had a responsibility to care for the world around them.

Brian Jay Jones, author of Becoming Dr. Seuss, shares the story of how Theodor Geisel used two of his most famous characters to explore materialism, redemption, responsibility, and the power each person has to make things better.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)