"Will You Succeed? Yes! You Will Indeed! (98 and 3/4 Percent Guaranteed)"

Dr. Seuss may be considered one of the premier authors of children’s books, but his whimsical rhymes and colorful illustrations aren’t solely suited for the elementary set. Many of his books are especially well-crafted tales that can be equally enjoyed by adults; I place The Lorax and How the Grinch Stole Christmas in the top of that category. But Oh, the Places You’ll Go! seems to be aimed especially at those who are just starting out in the world of adulthood. That doesn’t mean that this book won’t be enjoyed by children, and its message is worthwhile even if the reader is years away from a major crossroads in life. But there are few books that make more appropriate graduation gifts than this, with one foot in childhood and one in the future, with all its possibilities and pitfalls.

The main character in this book is “you,” a random person meant to represent the reader, much like the “you” in The Lorax. This character, a youngish-looking chap in what looks like yellow pajamas (maybe the book is all supposed to be a visionary dream…), is directly addressed throughout the book. He (well, he looks male to me, but is fairly androgynous; again, probably to make him identifiable with the reader, whoever that may be) starts off his adventure on a wide pathway out of town, along which he encounters all sorts of fantastic sights, such as elephant caravans and hot air balloons. Yes, it’s a grand adventure.

But, the narrator warns, the road will not always be paved with happiness. Troubles await you, no matter who you are, and you will need to be prepared to face them. Once you’re down in the doldrums, it’s hard to pull yourself out, and all those options that seemed so appealing before are now only cause for a headache. The illustrations, so bright and cheery in the beginning, grow dark, ominous, twisted. And the narrator warns that when you hit this low point, you may be tempted to just stay there, waiting. Wasting days or years waiting for everything under the sun. Not a way to live.

The book takes a turn back into the brightness of the beginning by insisting that this will not happen to you. You will get through the difficult times and come out on top, better than before! Or maybe not. The illustrations once more become dark and dreary… indeed, rather frightening. That picture of “you” paddling through the dark swirling waters surrounded by yowling Hakken-Kraks is particularly unnerving. But the book ends on a positive note once again, encouraging you to keep going because there’s always hope around the corner, and an adventure filled with peril is better than one never started.

The illustrations are filled with fantastic Seussical creations, but the text itself is pretty straightforward and practical with very few nonsensical words thrown in. It makes perfect sense and contains a lot of good solid advice that happens to rhyme particularly well. And it’s honest, not hiding the fact that the real world can be an awfully scary place and that a roller coaster of emotions is likely to follow. Our principal read us this book prior to our graduation from eighth grade, and I seem to recall its being quoted at my high school graduation as well. In fact, it’s one of the most quoted sources in graduation speeches and consistently remains a high seller when the time of year rolls around for those diplomas to be awarded. It’s no wonder. That Dr. Seuss, he was a pretty smart guy. So take the good doctor’s prescription and get on your way!