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Reading 101's Wild Ride

So boring were 1950's school reading primers -- See Dick. See Dick run. Run, Dick. Run, run, run. See Jane. See Jane run. Run, Jane. Run, run, run. -- The status quo reigned. Schookids' futures' no fun Then along came Dr. Suess' cat and changed all of that -- Sally and I and the fish jumped up and down on the ball The cup and the plate, the spoon and the cake, all standing tall -- Who cares if later we watched all those cool things fall By 1957, kids of all ages were moving and grooving a lot -- to Sam-I-am, Yertle the Turtle, and Marvin K. Mooney the Vipper of Vipp and the Horton the Who driving us loony -- Poor timing, Sputnik 1: USA's finest now force-fed Science. O, ruined we!

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Hannah Borke

Date: 4/21/2021 3:19:00 PM

I called Sally on the phone. It was fun. Her name is Nancy. I had noticed that ‘father’ looked too young in some pictures. She told me that was her older brother. Her father was the photographer, and Dick was a neighbor’s child. Jane was Susan, who passed away young. I asked her for a souvenir, but she said mother threw everything out.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/21/2021 8:50:00 PM

Thanks for sharing the hilarious phone call, Hannah. Sounds like you survived 'Reading 101' too. Were you in the 'Squirrels,' the 'Rabbits' or the 'Cupcakes' 'Reading Group?' ~ Proud Member of the 'Chipmunks'

Robert Pettit

Date: 4/20/2021 7:48:00 PM

I remember Dr. Seuss's book "Go Dog Go" the best. I was receiving a new Dr. Seuss book every month from a club I joined when I was in early elementary school. Another good write, Gershon.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/21/2021 8:28:00 PM

That was nice of your parents, although I shouldn't assume that they were paying for the book club choices. Perhaps you had a newspaper route or some such. I did for a year, but petered out. ~ Lazybones Gershon

L Milton Hankins

Date: 4/20/2021 1:07:00 PM

Seems we had Jim and Judy and their dog Spot. They must have changed every few years. I love Dr. Seuss no matter what anyone says. And, frankly, though I understand why, I think today's kids are missing out on a lot because they don't have Uncle Remus!!!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/20/2021 2:18:00 PM

Sure enough, Milt. There was a Jim and Judy reading primer in the USA before Dick and Jane replaced it in the 1950's. Dr. Seuss beat the pants off of both... And as for Uncle Remus, I couldn't agree with you more! ~ The Tide of the Times

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 4/20/2021 12:03:00 PM

Hello Gershon, I remember Dick and Jane in the 50's That is the book I learned to read with. I see nothing wrong with the Dr. Suess books the kids read. they enjoyed them Enjoy your day my friend..

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 4/21/2021 10:19:00 AM

Hello Gershin so do I. Enjoy your day my friend.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/20/2021 3:51:00 PM

I see nothing wrong with Dr. Seuss either. Actually, I see a lot that's 'right' with him! :) gw

Joe Dimino

Date: 4/20/2021 3:25:00 AM

Don't know that I ever experienced those joyful, early times...but that is another story -- and I sure did dream about them, and envied those so blessed -- why can't society let children remain children? As God calls us at all ages of existence. This work of yours is a masterpiece, Gershon -- a Fav definitely!!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/20/2021 3:53:00 PM

Gee, thanks for the Fave, Joe. And yes, it's a shame that society doesn't let children be children very long anymore . See ya, gw