How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
"It's work! How I hate it!
I'd much rather play!" (5-6)
Are there morally justifiable reasons for parents—bird or human—to abandon their kids? This sounds pretty heavy duty for story time. Hey, you signed up for it.
Quote #2
"I won't be gone long, sir. I give you my word.
I'll hurry right back. Why, I'll never be missed…" (25-26)
At least she recruits an egg sitter, right? As long as she makes sure the egg is cared for, is she doing anything wrong? One half of the ring would call this a shirking of personal responsibility. The other half would say that Mayzie has worked out a scheme that's in the best interest of both herself and her egg. What do you think?
Quote #3
"I meant what I said
And I said what I meant…
An elephant's faithful
One hundred per cent!" (68-71)
Horton is often cited as a model of ethical behavior. Yep, that's right. Horton—an elephant in a children's story—is used as a model for human behavior. That's some Seuss for you right there. P.S. "Faithful" is a pretty big word, especially for younger Seuss readers. Take some time to explore its meaning with them, both inside and outside the context of the story.