School districts across the US have also begun moving away from the books
Credit: Gene Lester /Archive Photos
Six Dr Seuss books containing racist and insensitive imagery will no longer be published, the classic children’s author’s estate has announced.
Dr Seuss Enterprises said they decided to axe the books, including ‘The Cat’s Quizzer’ and ‘If I Ran the Zoo’, because they “portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong”.
"Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families," a statement said.
Other books set to be archived include ‘And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street’, ‘On Beyond Zebra!’, ‘And Scrambled Eggs Super’ and ‘McElligot’s Pool’.
“If I Ran the Zoo” includes an illustration of “two men from Africa” carrying animals and wearing grass skirts.
Dr. Seuss at work on a drawing of the Grinch, a character in his book, 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' in 1957
Credit: Shutterstock
The final decision to cancel the books was made last year, but announced on author Theodor Seuss Geisel’s birthday.
"Dr Seuss Enterprises listened and took feedback from our audiences including teachers, academics and specialists in the field as part of our review process,” the statement added.
Books by Dr Seuss have been sold in more than 100 countries and translated into dozens of languages.
Dr Seuss, who died in 1991 at the age of 87, remains extremely popular.
The author earned an estimated $33 million before taxes in 2020, second only to pop star Michael Jackson on Forbes’ list of the highest paid dead celebrities.
Despite his enduring popularity, there has been growing criticism over the way Asians, black people and others are drawn in the books.
President Barack Obama holds "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss as he hosted the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, 2010
Credit: Charles Dharapak /AP
US president Joe Biden did not mention Dr Seuss during his Read Across America Day, breaking a decade-long tradition.
Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump both noted his contributions in their yearly proclamations.
First lady Melania Trump came under fire in 2017 after donating a gift of 10 books to a school library in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The librarian argued that Dr Seuss’ books were "steeped in racist propaganda, caricatures, and harmful stereotypes”.
School districts across the US have also begun moving away from the books. Just outside of Washington DC, teachers denied rumors last month that they were banning them entirely.
One of Dr Seuss’ most popular books, ‘The Cat in the Hat’, has also been criticised but will stay in print.
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