If your childhood was also blessed by the wonderful creations of Dr. Seuss, you’ll be happy to know that much of his inspiration is right at your doorstep. In fact, you could check out many of the beloved scenes from his books, whenever you’d like – they’re a short walk or drive away.
Who was Dr. Seuss?
Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) was a revolutionary children’s author and illustrator, who famously transformed early reading from a chore into a joy. He’s best known for his use of nonsense but funny words, surreal characters, and catchy rhymes. His style is called anapestic tetrameter. Rejecting the boring, he created a visual and linguistic style that was distinctively his own. Here, you’d often find loopy architecture, imaginary beasts, and a sense of controlled chaos that captivated young readers.
The incredible Dr. Seuss wrote some of the most popular children’s books of all time. Maybe the most notable is ‘The Cat in the Hat’, which he wrote using a strictly limited vocabulary to help children learn to read. We’d also have to mention ‘Green Eggs and Ham’, his best-selling work. Beyond that, he’s also celebrated for weaving social issues into his tales:
- The Lorax teaches environmental stewardship
- Horton Hears a Who! advocates for the rights of the marginalized (“a person’s a person, no matter how small”)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas explores the non-materialistic spirit of the holidays
How is Dr. Seuss connected to La Jolla and San Diego?
The connection between La Jolla and Dr. Seuss is actually quite profound: La Jolla was his home, his workplace, and his muse for over 40 years. He moved here in 1948 and lived there until his death in 1991. It was during this period that he wrote many of his most famous books, including The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham.
Connections and landmarks
The Mount Soledad home & the tower
He lived in a home atop Mount Soledad with beautiful views of the Pacific coastline. His home included an old observation tower where he set up his studio. This is where he spent his days writing and illustrating. However, he often claimed that the view was so distracting he had to paint over the windows just to focus!
The real “Truffula” trees
The unique landscape of La Jolla famously influenced his illustrations. For decades, a specific Monterey Cypress tree in Ellen Browning Scripps Park (by La Jolla Cove) was believed to be the inspiration for the Truffula trees in The Lorax. The tree had a unique canopy that looked remarkably like the fluff-topped trees in the book. Sadly, this iconic tree fell in June 2019, but the area remains a pilgrimage site for fans.
The Geisel Library at UCSD
Perhaps his most visible legacy in San Diego is the Geisel Library at the University of California San Diego. The library was renamed in 1995 to honor Theodor Geisel and his wife for their generous contributions to the university and literacy. Moreover, the building is an architectural icon that looks futuristic and slightly Seussian itself. It houses the world’s largest collection of original Dr. Seuss materials, including drafts, sketches, notebooks, and memorabilia.
Where to find more Dr. Seuss art?
Besides the Geisel Library, you could also check The Legends Gallery on Prospect Street. Keep in mind that there isn’t a permanent collection here – but this place frequently hosts exhibitions of work he created for his own pleasure (that’s often more surreal than his books) and limited-edition prints.