You would never guess this book was written by Dr. Seuss as it lacks the typical Seuss style. The characteristic cartoon-like drawings are replaced by fairly abstract rich paintings. In accordance with Seuss’s wish, the book, published after his death in 1996, was illustrated by the great colour artists Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. In addition, the whimsical rhymes and made-up words we all know and love Seuss for, are replaced by simple elegant couplets.
The book utilises rhythm to link colours to emotion. The illustrations are magical, expressive paintings saturated with emotions. They take you on an amazing journey through the many different ways we can feel. Some days are yellow and some are blue and some days you can be giddy like a red horse and some days you can be hazy like the grey owl and some days you are sad and walk alone like the dinosaur dragging your tail along the way.
My son (20 months) loves the pictures and I can see in his face how his reaction changes as the pages turn to reveal many different coloured animals and the way they feel. From the yellow to the black to the Mixed-Up days this book in matter-of-fact fashion reminds us that we all have different emotions and they are all OK.
- this review by Izabella Warner
Title: My Many Colored Days
Author: Dr Seuss
Illustrator: Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
Publisher: Random House UK
Format: Hard cover
Publication date: 1 June 2001
ISBN: 9780099266594
For ages: 5 - 9 years
Type: Picture Book
