Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss
We can't help but continue posting Dr. Seuss books this month. Whether it's the rhyme and rhythm, the ease with which his stories are written, or the remarkable themes embedded within his stories, we are HUGE fans! And this book is one of my favorites! As you may know, Seuss's character Yertle was a representation of Hitler, but coincidently, the dispute was not about the politics of the book but rather Mack's burp.
Summary:
Yertle the turtle is king of the pond, but that isn't enough. He wants more and demands that turtles stack themselves on each other so that he can sit on top of them and look around at what he owns. While surveying his land, he notices that what he has is not good enough. He continues to demand the turtles stack themselves higher and higher Mack, the poor turtle at the bottom, begs Yertle for a rest; he is tired and pained, but of course, Yertle will hear none of it. Suddenly, Mack burps, which shakes Yertle's "throne", and the turtle stack topples down. Yertle is sent flying into the mud, resulting in the turtles' freedom.
Vocabulary:
- throne - a seat used by a ruler or other important person for special events
- beyond - past the farthest place
- command - to lead and control
- view - the area that can be seen from a certain spot
- mule - an animal that has a horse as a mother and a donkey as a father
- marvelous - splendid; amazing
- faint - weak
- sigh - to breathe out with a long breath because of being tired or sad
- thunder - to say something in a very loud and forceful way
- bellow - to shout loudly in a deep voice
- bray - a loud and harsh sound
Questions:
What three words can you use to describe Yertle?
What three words can you use to describe Mack?
Do you think Yertle would ever find happiness on his throne? Why or why not?
What would you have done if you were Mack? What would the outcome be?
What is the theme of this story?
Check out these cool extension activities!
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