Dr. Seuss' Birthday Honored With 'Lorax' Premiere Friday

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Friday, March 02, 2012

Famous writer Dr. Seuss would have turned 108 years old on Friday, the day his story "The Lorax" hits theaters.

March 2 also marks the annual date for National Read Across America Day, an initiative created by the National Education Association.

Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Seuss Geisel, penned "The Lorax" before his death in 1991. The new movie, which features the voices of today's top stars such as Taylor Swift and Zac Efron, tells an eco-friendly tale.

"The Lorax" marks the fourth Dr. Seuss book to be adapted to the big screen. Following the cinematic success of "Horton Hears a Who!" in 2008, 20th Century Fox decided to make a movie out of another childhood classic with "The Lorax."

The small, orange character fights to protect his world, and a 12-year-old boy seeks the grumpy yet charming Lorax to win the affection of a girl in the film.

Danny DeVito, who lends his voice to "The Lorax," explained that his children grew up with Dr. Seuss books, and that he agreed to speak for the Lorax for the children in his life today.

"My extended family has lots of youngsters," said the actor speaking to USA Today. "I'm very aware of how my kids were when people came into the house. Now when I walk into a house telling at the top of my lungs, the parents can say, 'Oh, he's the Lorax.'"

Country music star Taylor Swift, who provides the voice of Audrey in the film, said she is a long-time fan of Dr. Seuss.

"When I was a kid, Dr. Seuss was the first experience I had reading poetry," said the singer and songwriter. "And I fell in love with how poetry makes words and stories almost lyrical - it's like a song."

Of "The Lorax," Swift said it was her childhood favorite.

"It really teaches people that sometimes they don't know what they have until it's gone, and it's a lesson I've taken to heart my whole life," said the 22-year-old.

Betty White also provided her voice for "The Lorax" character Grammy Norma.

Dr. Seuss is also well-known for books such as The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and many more. Books by Dr. Suess have been published in 95 countries, translated into 17 languages, and have sold more than a half a billion copies.

"The Lorax," in theaters Friday, will also be available in IMAX theaters.