> Which children's book was written after the author was dared to use only 50words?And the answer: Green Eggs and Ham. Pages 12-13 of Green Eggs and Ham, written and illustrated by Dr. SeussFirstpublished in 1960, Green Eggs and Ham was written by Dr. Seuss on a dare fromhis publisher to use just 50 words. However, it wasn't the first challenge hewas given. For example, The Cat in the Hat was written after the publisher said,"Write me a story that first-graders can’t put down."From a young age, Seuss – or as he was known then, Ted Geisel – had a way withwords. His mother would sing him to sleep with rhymes she picked up from herfather's bakery, instilling an early interest in rhythm and rhyme. Later, Seusscredited his mother for her influence on his future whimsical career. In his1995 biography, Seuss was quoted to attest that his mother was most responsible"for the rhythms in which I write and the urgency with which I do it." Seuss never had any biological children. When prompted on the subject, he wouldcommonly respond: "You make them, I’ll amuse them." And amuse he did. As opposedto other popular children's works such as Dick and Jane, Seuss' works neverattempted to preach any moral or way for children to act. Some of his mostfamous titles like The Cat in the Hat and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! engagewith fantastical animals and themes to make reading more fun. And, not withouttaking his audience seriously. Though draped in whimsy, books like The Lorax still insisted upon messages of environmental preservation and community. Dr. Seuss remains a beloved author and illustrator that changed the route ofchildren's literature entirely. Watch the original animated version of The Lorax below.