Sketches created by Dr. Seuss that have never been published before will be published in new books written and illustrated by an inclusive group of authors and artists, the company that owns the intellectual property rights to Dr. Seuss announced.
The announcement came one year after the business founded by the family of Dr. Seuss said that it would stop publishing Dr. Seuss's titles because it featured racist and insensitive images, a decision that earned praise and disappointments, Associated Press reported.
The new line of books will feature original stories from previously unpublished illustrations from the author's archives.
Doctor Enterprises announced that the new authors and illustrators would show diverse racial backgrounds to represent as many families as possible.
In a statement, Susan Brandt, President and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, said that the new illustrators and authors would be spotlighting a new generation of talent, which will bring unique voices and style to the page. It also draws inspiration from the works of Dr. Seuss.
The books will be published by Random House Children's books and will be designed for readers from ages four to eight.
The original Dr. Seuss sketch that serves as the inspiration for each of the New Seuss books will also be a part of the new books, with a note from the creator explaining how they were inspired and their process.
Read Also: Peanut Butter: What's the Real Score?
Inspired by Dr. Seuss's Creativity
Images featured in the book would include a catlike creature with big ears and a series of colorful hummingbirds with pointy noses.
The new book hopes to continue Dr. Seuss' legacy, which started in 1957. The book has inspired young readers, writers, and artists to begin publishing careers.
Pamela Good, the president of Beyond Basics, a non-profit promoting literacy, said that the company seems genuine in addressing inclusiveness.
According to Good, Dr. Seuss Enterprises is trying to find "thoughtful" and "heartfelt" ways, embracing everyone and allowing everyone to be celebrated. She also said that the company is a step in the right direction.
The company has not yet disclosed its new writers and illustrators who will work on the books because contracts still need ironing.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises aims to publish new books next year, and it also aims to publish at least two new books per year.
Books that were shelved for racism
Last year, Dr. Seuss Enterprises stopped publishing six of the author's books, including And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street and If I Ran the Zoo, portraying people in hurtful ways.
The decision to stop the publishing and licensing came after a review by a panel of educators and other experts. Other books include McElligot's Pool, On Beyond Zebra!, Scrambled Eggs Super!, and The Cat's Quizzer.
The company said that the decision was made to support "all children and families with messages of hope, inspiration, inclusion, and friendship," NPR reported.
On the other hand, its classic books, Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat, remain popular even after the author died in 1991.
He earned around $35 million in 2021, making him the fifth-highest dead celebrity of the year.
Related Article: Mom Raises Awareness About Her Son's Rare Uncombable Hair Syndrome
