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I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew
A perennial favorite and a perfect read for anyone starting a new phase in their life!
In this fun and whimsical rhyming picture book, Dr. Seuss tackles the struggles of everyday life's—difficult people, bullies, bad weather, political unrest or even unruly crowds.
When our hero stubs his toe, he decides to find a less troublesome place to live. Soon he's off on a journey to the City of Solla Sollew, on the banks of the beautiful River Wah-Hoo, where they never have troubles! At least, very few. But between his encounters with the Midwinter Jicker and the Perilous Poozer of Pompelmoose Pass, he soon finds out that confronting his problems might actually be easier than running away from them.
A funny story that can be read purely for entertainment, I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew is ideal for sparking discussions. It's message—that the best way to deal with an obstacle is by tackling it head-on—makes this a perfect gift for all ages and occasions—especially graduations!
Dr. Seuss and his unique combination of hilarious stories, zany pictures and riotous rhymes, have been delighting young children and helping them learn to read for over fifty years. Creator of classics such as 'The Cat in the Hat' (1957), 'Green Eggs and Ham' (1960) and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' (1957), he is still ranked among the world's top children's authors, with nearly half a billion books sold worldwide.
Ages: 4-8
In this fun and whimsical rhyming picture book, Dr. Seuss tackles the struggles of everyday life's—difficult people, bullies, bad weather, political unrest or even unruly crowds.
When our hero stubs his toe, he decides to find a less troublesome place to live. Soon he's off on a journey to the City of Solla Sollew, on the banks of the beautiful River Wah-Hoo, where they never have troubles! At least, very few. But between his encounters with the Midwinter Jicker and the Perilous Poozer of Pompelmoose Pass, he soon finds out that confronting his problems might actually be easier than running away from them.
A funny story that can be read purely for entertainment, I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew is ideal for sparking discussions. It's message—that the best way to deal with an obstacle is by tackling it head-on—makes this a perfect gift for all ages and occasions—especially graduations!
Dr. Seuss and his unique combination of hilarious stories, zany pictures and riotous rhymes, have been delighting young children and helping them learn to read for over fifty years. Creator of classics such as 'The Cat in the Hat' (1957), 'Green Eggs and Ham' (1960) and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' (1957), he is still ranked among the world's top children's authors, with nearly half a billion books sold worldwide.
Ages: 4-8
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1965
31 people are currently reading
1,239 people want to read
About the author
Dr. Seuss
982Ìýbooks18.1kÌýfollowersTheodor Seuss Geisel was born 2 March 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He graduated Dartmouth College in 1925, and proceeded on to Oxford University with the intent of acquiring a doctorate in literature. At Oxford he met Helen Palmer, who he wed in 1927. He returned from Europe in 1927, and began working for a magazine called Judge, the leading humor magazine in America at the time, submitting both cartoons and humorous articles for them. Additionally, he was submitting cartoons to Life, Vanity Fair and Liberty. In some of his works, he'd made reference to an insecticide called Flit. These references gained notice, and led to a contract to draw comic ads for Flit. This association lasted 17 years, gained him national exposure, and coined the catchphrase "Quick, Henry, the Flit!"
In 1936 on the way to a vacation in Europe, listening to the rhythm of the ship's engines, he came up with And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, which was then promptly rejected by the first 43 publishers he showed it to. Eventually in 1937 a friend published the book for him, and it went on to at least moderate success.
During World War II, Geisel joined the army and was sent to Hollywood. Captain Geisel would write for Frank Capra's Signal Corps Unit (for which he won the Legion of Merit) and do documentaries (he won Oscar's for Hitler Lives and Design for Death). He also created a cartoon called Gerald McBoing-Boing which also won him an Oscar.
In May of 1954, Life published a report concerning illiteracy among school children. The report said, among other things, that children were having trouble to read because their books were boring. This inspired Geisel's publisher, and prompted him to send Geisel a list of 400 words he felt were important, asked him to cut the list to 250 words (the publishers idea of how many words at one time a first grader could absorb), and write a book. Nine months later, Geisel, using 220 of the words given to him published The Cat in the Hat , which went on to instant success.
In 1960 Bennett Cerf bet Geisel $50 that he couldn't write an entire book using only fifty words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham . Cerf never paid the $50 from the bet.
Helen Palmer Geisel died in 1967. Theodor Geisel married Audrey Stone Diamond in 1968. Theodor Seuss Geisel died 24 September 1991.
Also worked under the pen name: Theo Le Sieg
In 1936 on the way to a vacation in Europe, listening to the rhythm of the ship's engines, he came up with And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, which was then promptly rejected by the first 43 publishers he showed it to. Eventually in 1937 a friend published the book for him, and it went on to at least moderate success.
During World War II, Geisel joined the army and was sent to Hollywood. Captain Geisel would write for Frank Capra's Signal Corps Unit (for which he won the Legion of Merit) and do documentaries (he won Oscar's for Hitler Lives and Design for Death). He also created a cartoon called Gerald McBoing-Boing which also won him an Oscar.
In May of 1954, Life published a report concerning illiteracy among school children. The report said, among other things, that children were having trouble to read because their books were boring. This inspired Geisel's publisher, and prompted him to send Geisel a list of 400 words he felt were important, asked him to cut the list to 250 words (the publishers idea of how many words at one time a first grader could absorb), and write a book. Nine months later, Geisel, using 220 of the words given to him published The Cat in the Hat , which went on to instant success.
In 1960 Bennett Cerf bet Geisel $50 that he couldn't write an entire book using only fifty words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham . Cerf never paid the $50 from the bet.
Helen Palmer Geisel died in 1967. Theodor Geisel married Audrey Stone Diamond in 1968. Theodor Seuss Geisel died 24 September 1991.
Also worked under the pen name: Theo Le Sieg
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
December 30, 2018
The narrator of the story and lead character is a small furry bear like creature, who leads a happy go lucky existence in the Valley of Vung.
This all changes when he is attacked by a host of rather nasty creatures - a very fresh Green Headed Quiligan Quail, a Skritz and a Skrink.
Naturally when a chap on a one-wheel wubble offers him a trip to the promised utopia of Solla Sollew 'where they have no troubles, at least very few.', he grabs the opportunity!
Unfortunately the journey to Solla Sollew is fraught with difficulties and dangers, and when our friend reaches Solla Sollew, he discovers that the one little problem that Solla Sollew has, makes the city inaccessible.
Eventually he comes to the realization that problems need to be faced and can not be run away from.We need to re-examine our thought patterns. A great motivational book, for both children and adults. It was one of my childhood favourites. Dr Seuss' books always bring back great memories
This all changes when he is attacked by a host of rather nasty creatures - a very fresh Green Headed Quiligan Quail, a Skritz and a Skrink.
Naturally when a chap on a one-wheel wubble offers him a trip to the promised utopia of Solla Sollew 'where they have no troubles, at least very few.', he grabs the opportunity!
Unfortunately the journey to Solla Sollew is fraught with difficulties and dangers, and when our friend reaches Solla Sollew, he discovers that the one little problem that Solla Sollew has, makes the city inaccessible.
Eventually he comes to the realization that problems need to be faced and can not be run away from.We need to re-examine our thought patterns. A great motivational book, for both children and adults. It was one of my childhood favourites. Dr Seuss' books always bring back great memories
February 16, 2008
Some families read The Bible together; we read this. I see on Facebook that my brother chose it as one of his favorite books which isn't surprising; it's that kind of book. The moral is the one thing in this world my mom, my dad, my brother and I agree on: If people mess with you, smash their faces in. It may not be the best way to solve problems, but it sure beats running away, or turning the other cheek and waiting for some savior to come and carry you off to heaven for it. There's no heaven. There's no savior. And there's nowhere to run to. If I had a kid, I would read her this book every night before bed, and her first words would be "My troubles are going to have troubles with me!" And they would.
January 17, 2016
Oh.. Only if Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ would allow more than 5 stars...
It was somehow different from other Dr. Seuss.. But it was amazing...
Thanks once again to dear Hoda for everything..
:)
It was somehow different from other Dr. Seuss.. But it was amazing...
Thanks once again to dear Hoda for everything..
:)
July 4, 2008
I remember liking this as a kid, but I just re-read it to my daughter and loved it. What a clever anti-utopian message wrapped up in a children's story. What the kid learns, on a subtle level, is that in this world you shall have tribulation, but, be of good cheer, because you can always take a baseball bat to your troubles. Well, perhaps that conclusion sounds a bit rough around the edges, but the point is that it's better to confront your troubles and make the most of the world you live in than it is to run away in search of a mythical land where suffering doesn't exist. It's anti-authoritarian in its tone, but not, I do not think, in an unreasonable way. It condemns leaders who make others pay a heavy price in their attempt to achieve what is ultimately unachievable. I suppose there are all sorts of ways you can read this, depending on your political and religious bent. It could be anti-clerical and anti-military, or it could be anti-socialist and anti-communist. It is, to me, however, ultimately pro-personal responsibility: stop chasing the fables of your leaders and start making your own life better, right here, right now.
April 27, 2021
This book is very much a Dr. Seuss moral fable. The gist of the story is one of utopian yearnings, as the main character bird attempts to get to the city of Solla Sollew, in which the residents don't have any troubles, "or at least very few."
Dr. Seuss does a nice job of showing that no matter what a person does to avoid troubles, they somehow find their way into everyone's lives. This lesson is shown in a lighthearted way that makes for some funny rhymes that I enjoyed.
Dr. Seuss does a nice job of showing that no matter what a person does to avoid troubles, they somehow find their way into everyone's lives. This lesson is shown in a lighthearted way that makes for some funny rhymes that I enjoyed.
October 19, 2020
It is a very nice book, not only for children but for adults too. Very practical in life. Guide to how to deal with obstacles in a creative way.
January 22, 2022
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This book begins with our MC finding himself lost�
“Now, I never had ever had
Troubles before,
So I said to myself,
"I don’t want anymore.�
An old chap comes along and suggests he goes to Solla Sollew, “where they never have troubles—at least, very few.� On his way there, our MC runs continually into troubles of different kinds�
“And I learned that are troubles
Of more than one kind
Some come from ahead
And some come from behind.�
And when at last he arrives to Solla Sollew� there’s still troubles! Should he go to another city, where they indeed NEVER have troubles?
This is such a cute, encouraging read about troubles, the kind I wish I had on my bookshelf to read on days where it seems the troubles never end and I just want to escape.
“I know I’ll have troubles.
I’ll, maybe, get stung.
I’ll always have troubles.
I’ll, maybe, get bit�.
But I’ve bought a big bat.
I’m ready, you see.
Now my troubles are going
To have troubles with me!�
“Now, I never had ever had
Troubles before,
So I said to myself,
"I don’t want anymore.�
An old chap comes along and suggests he goes to Solla Sollew, “where they never have troubles—at least, very few.� On his way there, our MC runs continually into troubles of different kinds�
“And I learned that are troubles
Of more than one kind
Some come from ahead
And some come from behind.�
And when at last he arrives to Solla Sollew� there’s still troubles! Should he go to another city, where they indeed NEVER have troubles?
This is such a cute, encouraging read about troubles, the kind I wish I had on my bookshelf to read on days where it seems the troubles never end and I just want to escape.
“I know I’ll have troubles.
I’ll, maybe, get stung.
I’ll always have troubles.
I’ll, maybe, get bit�.
But I’ve bought a big bat.
I’m ready, you see.
Now my troubles are going
To have troubles with me!�
September 6, 2012
I read this charmer for the very first time last night when putting my little guy to bed. What a pleasant surprise!
Up till now, if asked to pick a favorite Seuss title, I’d have gone for The King’s Stilts, mainly because of memories of having it read to me as a child. (We still have an early edition of that classic, which might be worth some money if only my sister and I hadn’t marked up the pages.) Dr. Seuss's better-known creations are great fun, too. Last spring my 12-year-old did a school report on him, from which I learned such interesting trivia as the origin of his first title, And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street: It was suggested by the rhythmic sound of the engine on a ship he was riding home from Europe.
Anyway, with the continuing presence of so many examples in our house, I’d thought I was reasonably up to speed on the Seuss oeuvre. Discovering surprising new material at this late date has a way of making me stop to reconsider. Offhand, I can think of one other that has such a clear moral lesson--Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose. This is not to say that lessons necessarily make a story better. It's OK to enjoy something for its own sake, and there’s even a Seuss quote to that effect. But right now I find myself receptive to a little more.
No doubt the excitement has something to do with the story’s relevance to a theme I gnaw at with many of my blog posts (), i.e., trouble and the disappointing results of our efforts to overcome it. Of course, I also immediately recognized the Wubble chap, who confidently promises to deliver our suffering main character to a utopia but instead ends up multiplying the hardships. is scheduled to give a speech tonight on prime-time TV. The lure of such characters resembles that of the lottery, and I think all of us feel it at least a little from time to time.
Hence the value of a story like this for folks of all ages.
My son has a habit of demanding that I read the same books again and again every night, so that, from my point of view, we’ve completely worn out some first-rate stories (The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, The Velveteen Rabbit, etc.). Right now I hope he’s up for more of Sola Sollew.
Up till now, if asked to pick a favorite Seuss title, I’d have gone for The King’s Stilts, mainly because of memories of having it read to me as a child. (We still have an early edition of that classic, which might be worth some money if only my sister and I hadn’t marked up the pages.) Dr. Seuss's better-known creations are great fun, too. Last spring my 12-year-old did a school report on him, from which I learned such interesting trivia as the origin of his first title, And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street: It was suggested by the rhythmic sound of the engine on a ship he was riding home from Europe.
Anyway, with the continuing presence of so many examples in our house, I’d thought I was reasonably up to speed on the Seuss oeuvre. Discovering surprising new material at this late date has a way of making me stop to reconsider. Offhand, I can think of one other that has such a clear moral lesson--Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose. This is not to say that lessons necessarily make a story better. It's OK to enjoy something for its own sake, and there’s even a Seuss quote to that effect. But right now I find myself receptive to a little more.
No doubt the excitement has something to do with the story’s relevance to a theme I gnaw at with many of my blog posts (), i.e., trouble and the disappointing results of our efforts to overcome it. Of course, I also immediately recognized the Wubble chap, who confidently promises to deliver our suffering main character to a utopia but instead ends up multiplying the hardships. is scheduled to give a speech tonight on prime-time TV. The lure of such characters resembles that of the lottery, and I think all of us feel it at least a little from time to time.
Hence the value of a story like this for folks of all ages.
My son has a habit of demanding that I read the same books again and again every night, so that, from my point of view, we’ve completely worn out some first-rate stories (The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, The Velveteen Rabbit, etc.). Right now I hope he’s up for more of Sola Sollew.
May 18, 2010
This is my favorite Dr. Suess book.
I love the lengthy and clever lesson that this book teaches.
A chap is having trouble one day and he decides, on advice from the Wubble chap, to run away from it and go to Solla Sollew, where he has been promised "there aren't any troubles, at least, very few."
He learns, very importantly, that you really don't want to trade your current troubles for what may lie ahead, that the best thing to do is face what is before you and give your troubles some trouble with you.
I love the lengthy and clever lesson that this book teaches.
A chap is having trouble one day and he decides, on advice from the Wubble chap, to run away from it and go to Solla Sollew, where he has been promised "there aren't any troubles, at least, very few."
He learns, very importantly, that you really don't want to trade your current troubles for what may lie ahead, that the best thing to do is face what is before you and give your troubles some trouble with you.
March 1, 2016
My daughter managed to find a copy of this in her school library so we get to read another Dr Seuss book.
I'm amazed that Dr Seuss managed to predict the rise of Victor Meldrew, because that is what this story is about. Our furry friend is out walking one day when he stubs his toe and from this one small event things escalate out of control until one day he finds himself going to war with a pea-shooter. We enjoyed the story, wonderful rhyming and some fantastic made up places and creatures. As for the ending, probably the best ending to any Dr Seuss book. Very funny stuff.
I'm amazed that Dr Seuss managed to predict the rise of Victor Meldrew, because that is what this story is about. Our furry friend is out walking one day when he stubs his toe and from this one small event things escalate out of control until one day he finds himself going to war with a pea-shooter. We enjoyed the story, wonderful rhyming and some fantastic made up places and creatures. As for the ending, probably the best ending to any Dr Seuss book. Very funny stuff.
January 20, 2016
Probably one of my most favorite Dr. Seuss books!
January 20, 2018
WTF was this book about?
Read
December 30, 2023You're going to have troubles in life, no matter how hard you run from them. The best thing you can do is to face them head on.
January 7, 2010
This is a hidden treasure of Dr. Seuss. Much less known than many of his other books, this is one of my favorites.
I discovered it in high school when our drama teacher adapted it into a reader's theatre performance. Practicing it for hours and performing it over and over (including at the state drama competition where it won first place) I used to have the whole thing solidly memorized.
This week I pulled it out again to share with the students at my school. I, surprisingly, still have it mostly memorized. I didn't just read it to the classes, I performed it. Drawing on those memories of the Troyplayers performance group. It was a total blast!! Reading this book to all of my classes (K-6) is going to be an annual tradition the first week in March in celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday.
Dr. Seuss has the amazing power to captivate an audience. My kindergarten classes all the way to sixth grade classes were absolutely attentive to the story. I also remember the high school (and adult) audience was equally interested back in the day.
A great message about learning to deal with troubles, and let's face it, every human on earth has troubles of one kind or another. This is uplifting without being "preachy"
Dr. Seuss is a genius and Solla Sollew is definitely him at his best!
I discovered it in high school when our drama teacher adapted it into a reader's theatre performance. Practicing it for hours and performing it over and over (including at the state drama competition where it won first place) I used to have the whole thing solidly memorized.
This week I pulled it out again to share with the students at my school. I, surprisingly, still have it mostly memorized. I didn't just read it to the classes, I performed it. Drawing on those memories of the Troyplayers performance group. It was a total blast!! Reading this book to all of my classes (K-6) is going to be an annual tradition the first week in March in celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday.
Dr. Seuss has the amazing power to captivate an audience. My kindergarten classes all the way to sixth grade classes were absolutely attentive to the story. I also remember the high school (and adult) audience was equally interested back in the day.
A great message about learning to deal with troubles, and let's face it, every human on earth has troubles of one kind or another. This is uplifting without being "preachy"
Dr. Seuss is a genius and Solla Sollew is definitely him at his best!
March 1, 2017
Dr. Seuss just makes it fun for reading. brilliant illustration n narration.
January 4, 2019
Really fun picture book.
January 1, 2019
This was a good way to ring out the old year.
January 2, 2022
This is my favourite of all the Dr. Seuss books and to be honest I was never all that much into them until I read this one for the first time, as an adult.
Of course, I had The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham and so on as a kid, but I was a fairly literal minded sprog and while I liked them, I was never blown away. Then in my 20's I read this one and fell in love in a big way!
In my opinion, this one book has more life lessons, commentary on the universe and personal development than the entirety of the new age movement of the 80's, the empowerment movement of the 90's and the entire host of life coaches alive today. AND it is fun instead of painful!
And it does not take itself too seriously (the new age did)
Nowhere near as expensive as empowerment seminars either.
Nor likely to cause medical problems as life coaches often do.
Considering how all around, miserable, lonely, house bound and defeating 2020 and 2021 have been I thought one could not start the reading year better than this book, with it's immortal ending:
I'd have no more troubles...
That's what the man said.
So I started to go.
But I didn't.
Instead...
I did some quick thinking
Inside of my head.
Then I started back home to the Valley of Vung.
I know I'll have troubles.
I'll, maybe get stung.
I'll always have troubles.
I'll, maybe, get bit
By that Green-Headed Quail
On the place where I sit.
But I've bought a big bat.
I'm all ready, you see.
Now my troubles are going
To have troubles with Me!
So, s***w you 2022, I bought a big bat, do your worst.
I will revisit this book/review at the end of the year and see who won. I don't have high hopes it will be me, but at least I'll be in the fight.
Of course, I had The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham and so on as a kid, but I was a fairly literal minded sprog and while I liked them, I was never blown away. Then in my 20's I read this one and fell in love in a big way!
In my opinion, this one book has more life lessons, commentary on the universe and personal development than the entirety of the new age movement of the 80's, the empowerment movement of the 90's and the entire host of life coaches alive today. AND it is fun instead of painful!
And it does not take itself too seriously (the new age did)
Nowhere near as expensive as empowerment seminars either.
Nor likely to cause medical problems as life coaches often do.
Considering how all around, miserable, lonely, house bound and defeating 2020 and 2021 have been I thought one could not start the reading year better than this book, with it's immortal ending:
I'd have no more troubles...
That's what the man said.
So I started to go.
But I didn't.
Instead...
I did some quick thinking
Inside of my head.
Then I started back home to the Valley of Vung.
I know I'll have troubles.
I'll, maybe get stung.
I'll always have troubles.
I'll, maybe, get bit
By that Green-Headed Quail
On the place where I sit.
But I've bought a big bat.
I'm all ready, you see.
Now my troubles are going
To have troubles with Me!
So, s***w you 2022, I bought a big bat, do your worst.
I will revisit this book/review at the end of the year and see who won. I don't have high hopes it will be me, but at least I'll be in the fight.
July 9, 2008
I never read this Dr. Seuss when my children were little. I'm discovering that we missed quite a few good ones, sadly!
In I Had Trouble in getting to Solla Sollew the first person main character sets off for this mythical place of Solla Sollew where 'they never have troubles, at least very few!' because of all the problems he keeps encountering in his own hometown. It reminded me a bit of the Wizard of Oz theme--the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. But also the journey to 'elsewhere' was prompted by thinking escaping from troubles provides a better solution than staying to face them. As the traveler soon learns, however, he leaves behind one set of problems only to find a whole new set facing him along the journey. Even when he arrives at his final destination, there's a catch. So what to do? Stay in the almost perfect place or try to find the new perfect place he now hears about?
I believe that Seuss is telling us something along the lines of, 'wherever you go, there you are.' Deal with who you are, where you are and with what you have been given.
In I Had Trouble in getting to Solla Sollew the first person main character sets off for this mythical place of Solla Sollew where 'they never have troubles, at least very few!' because of all the problems he keeps encountering in his own hometown. It reminded me a bit of the Wizard of Oz theme--the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. But also the journey to 'elsewhere' was prompted by thinking escaping from troubles provides a better solution than staying to face them. As the traveler soon learns, however, he leaves behind one set of problems only to find a whole new set facing him along the journey. Even when he arrives at his final destination, there's a catch. So what to do? Stay in the almost perfect place or try to find the new perfect place he now hears about?
I believe that Seuss is telling us something along the lines of, 'wherever you go, there you are.' Deal with who you are, where you are and with what you have been given.
April 25, 2010
This is a little odd, even for Seuss.
An unidentified thing, our narrator, is having a rough day. He trips, he gets stung... and every time he looks around to prevent it from happening again, something new shows up on his unwatched side!
Finally he bumps into a man going to Solla Sollew, where they don't have troubles - or at least, very few.
And this starts his whole troublesome trip. He was safer at home! He finally arrives, exhausted, only to find out that they've misplaced the key and he can't get in, and anyway their troubles in Solla Sollew are just starting thanks to the misplaced key, but there's an even more PERFECT place down the ways a bit...
Not for our intrepid hero, though. He gets a big stick and goes home, deciding any troubles will have trouble with him first. This last scene may bother some parents because of the implied violence. Me, I'm busier wondering how he'll use that stick to intimidate a rock that trips him up.
There isn't a very clear moral, if that's what you go for. Still and all, I like this one.
An unidentified thing, our narrator, is having a rough day. He trips, he gets stung... and every time he looks around to prevent it from happening again, something new shows up on his unwatched side!
Finally he bumps into a man going to Solla Sollew, where they don't have troubles - or at least, very few.
And this starts his whole troublesome trip. He was safer at home! He finally arrives, exhausted, only to find out that they've misplaced the key and he can't get in, and anyway their troubles in Solla Sollew are just starting thanks to the misplaced key, but there's an even more PERFECT place down the ways a bit...
Not for our intrepid hero, though. He gets a big stick and goes home, deciding any troubles will have trouble with him first. This last scene may bother some parents because of the implied violence. Me, I'm busier wondering how he'll use that stick to intimidate a rock that trips him up.
There isn't a very clear moral, if that's what you go for. Still and all, I like this one.
December 13, 2013
Yes! This was my favorite Dr. Seuss book as a child, but for years I couldn't remember the name cause I was too young when it was read to me. There's such an under lying darkness to many of his books, and this one's no exception. I love the ending too, cause it really sends a strange, mixed message about dealing with one's troubles. Highly recommended for adults and children.
February 5, 2021
This book was pretty interesting because it’s basically Dr. Seuss sharing his advice on how to take on challenges. That makes it pretty cool, like a surreal self-help book for children. And adults can learn here, too.
May 28, 2012
Didn't like it as a kid. Loved it as an adult. Perspective is key, and there's nothing like a trip to Solla Sollew to reinforce that notion.
May 7, 2016
Really funny!
January 1, 2019
(4 1/2 STARS)
Seuss is spectacular.
Seuss is spectacular.
February 16, 2018
I read this mainly because of one of my favourite Dr. Seuss quotes: "I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"
Though the quote isn't a direct copy from this book, it is where it originally came from.
The book itself is rather enjoyable if not a bit "dreary" compared to many of his other books. It's basically about a youth who is trying to get away from his troubles by going to another place to live. He comes to a rather unsavoury conclusion about life (as we all do) by the end of the book, but that's part of the beauty of it too, and also why he now has a bat, lol.
An enjoyable read, if a bit of a departure from his more light-hearted fare. However, if you are a fan of Seuss or of a good reminder of life and how you can face it with humour, than this book is for you.
Though the quote isn't a direct copy from this book, it is where it originally came from.
The book itself is rather enjoyable if not a bit "dreary" compared to many of his other books. It's basically about a youth who is trying to get away from his troubles by going to another place to live. He comes to a rather unsavoury conclusion about life (as we all do) by the end of the book, but that's part of the beauty of it too, and also why he now has a bat, lol.
An enjoyable read, if a bit of a departure from his more light-hearted fare. However, if you are a fan of Seuss or of a good reminder of life and how you can face it with humour, than this book is for you.
October 10, 2022
As a child, this was my favorite Dr. Seuss book, probably due to its weirdness, imaginative drawings and funny/oddball situations. I remember once calculating how many days the bear-like protagonist took to reach Solla Sollew, and realizing that if he'd gotten there in the time originally promised by the Wubble-Chap, he'd have avoided the one little "trouble" that prevented his entering the near-utopia! I love the moral, which is basically that one should face one's troubles rather than running away from them. When my two daughters were growing up, we made sure to supply them with most of the Dr. Seuss titles; and I'm sure these books contributed to their love of reading which persists to this day.
March 7, 2020
We all have goals and journeys. They are a struggle. Each is hard and few really appreciate the hardships of others journey to include our own. Loved this reminder to appreciate what we do have and the struggles to get where ever we area going. The utopia is the path and overcoming each struggle.
May 31, 2021
This was a fun read with a good lesson in appreciating what you already have.
September 15, 2022
This has one of my favorite Dr. Suess lines of all time!
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