Author: Dr. Seuss

Grades: Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Synopsis: The now remorseful Once-ler–our faceless, bodiless narrator–tells the story himself. Long ago this enterprising villain chances upon a place filled with wondrous Truffula Trees, Swomee-Swans, Brown Bar-ba- loots, and Humming-Fishes. Bewitched by the beauty of the Truffula Tree tufts, he greedily chops them down to produce and mass-market Thneeds. As the trees swiftly disappear and the denizens leave for greener pastures, the fuzzy yellow Lorax (who speaks for the trees “for the trees have no tongues”) repeatedly warns the Once-ler, but his words of wisdom are for naught. Finally the Lorax extricates himself from the scorched, leaving only a rock engraved “UNLESS.” Thus, with his own colorful version of a compelling morality play, Dr. Seuss teaches readers not to fool with Mother Nature. But as you might expect from Seuss, all hope is not lost–the Once-ler has saved a single Truffula Tree seed! Our fate now rests in the hands of a caring child, who becomes our last chance for a clean, green future.

Debrief Questions:

• What parts of your environment would you be sad to see go?
• The Lorax tells the Once-ler, “You are crazy with greed.” Why does he say that?
• Why does the Lorax need to speak for the trees? Why is it important to speak-up about the environment?
• What do you think will happen next? What will the boy do with the last Truffula tree seed?
• Do you think the Lorax and his friends will come back if the Truffula trees grow back?