The Lorax - Fantasy

The Lorax

Author: Dr. Seuss

Genre: Fantasy, Fable, Classic

Publisher: Random House

Copyright Date: 1971

Number of Pages: 45

Awards: None specific to this book

Grade Level: K-2

Summary:

Living in a city of industry where everyone only knows pollution a young boy wants to know the story of the Once-ler and of the history of the Lorax. After gathering the required items for payment to the Once-ler the boy heads outside of town 'where the grickle-grass grows' to find out the story. He learns that a long time ago the area was a much different place with the Truffula Trees supporting the Swomee-Swans, the Bar-ba-loots, and the Humming-Fish. A place of beauty that was exploited by the Once-ler. The boy learns that the Lorax appeared to try and save the land by speaking for the trees. 

Use in Teaching:

The overall theme of protecting the environment makes the Lorax a great book to use around Earth Day or in a science unit about the dangers of pollution. Coordinating an 'adopt a spot' activity could be great if you can get the school behind the idea. Each classroom in the school adopts a spot on the school grounds. They make sure their spot stays clean and might also plants flowers or add murals to make the school environment better than how they found it which is what we need to teach kids to do about the Earth. 

	3 Bookmarks	2 Bookmarks	1 Bookmark	0 Bookmarks	Comments
Plot	These books consist of a well-developed plot with includes all five elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).	These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five elements of plot structure.	The books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is missing two of the five elements of plot structure.	The books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.	3 Bookmarks: The story of the Lorax, aside from having a great theme, has a great plot that includes all five elements of a good plot structure.
Character Development	These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient depth and personality.	Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be lacking in depth or personality, or believability.	Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail needed to have depth and believability.	Characters are evident but not developed.	3 Bookmarks: Despite using made-up words and animals for the story the character of the boy, the Lorax, and the Once-ler are believable and well-rounded.
Pacing	The story moves and flows freely and does not feel rushed or too slow.	The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of being to slow or too fast.	The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.	The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or illogical.	3 Bookmarks: The pacing moves along nicely as the story of the Once-ler unfolds and the Lorax tries to save the trees and animals.
Overall	These are excellent books and are highly recommended.	These are good books are recommended.	These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.	These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.	3 Bookmarks: The Lorax is an engaging book with a great theme and is highly recommended.