Horton the Elephant is a very special elephant.

He is known for his kindness and his big heart.

One day, Horton found an egg that had been abandoned.

Feeling sorry for the little egg, Horton decided to sit on it and keep it warm.

He sat there for days and days, through rain and shine.

The other animals in the jungle thought he was crazy, but Horton didn't care.

Finally, the egg hatched, and out came a little bird.

Horton was so happy to see the little bird healthy and alive.

The little bird thanked Horton for taking care of it, and the two became the best of friends.

From that day on, Horton was known as the elephant who could sit on an egg and hatch a bird.

And everyone in the jungle learned that sometimes, being kind and doing the right thing can lead to the most wonderful surprises.

On the eve of the 8th month since my father's passing, my partner read this book aloud to our 12-week-old daughter.

He might not have been aware of this, but I was. I vividly remember each and every month, and how the days seem to pass so incredibly slowly.

I can still effortlessly recite the introduction to this book, just as I used to do with my dad when I was a child. He would give me the first line as a prompt, and I would excitedly continue - "I'm tired and I'm bored, and I've got kinks in my legs!" We would engage in this little routine until I convinced myself that I was too grown-up, too "cool," and too easily annoyed by my father.

Now, all I truly wish for is that he could read this book aloud to his granddaughter, just one single time. So that I could hear his voice again, just one more precious time.

But, as of now, our daughter appears to be highly intrigued by this story. She will intently stare at the pages or our faces as we read. And perhaps, one day, when I prompt her, she'll be able to recite it back to me. We'll share a fit of laughter, until she too decides that she's too cool for us.

They say an elephant's word is the most trustworthy word in the world. Horton, our gigantic and gentle animal, fully agrees with this. When the lazy bird asks him to hatch its egg, Horton without hesitation agrees. It might seem a zany idea, but Horton is determined. He manages to prop himself up on the small fort and, come what may, he does not leave it.

He waits patiently for the bird to return. However, the bird does not come back until a very long time has passed. In fact, it's so late that a new mutated being is born from the egg.

Dr. Seuss and his imaginations run at a berserk pace. His stories are filled with such奇特 and wonderful ideas that they capture the hearts and minds of readers of all ages. In this tale of Horton and the egg, we see the power of trust, determination, and the unexpected.

Another classic!

A couple of my granddaughters are in complete agreement❣️ It's truly heartwarming to see them bond over something. They might be discussing a favorite book, a TV show, or perhaps a new toy. Their unity is a beautiful sight, and it makes me realize how special family is.

These moments of agreement and connection are what create lasting memories. I can imagine them giggling and sharing their thoughts, completely immersed in their conversation.

It also makes me wonder what other classics they will discover together in the future. Will it be a new adventure, a new hobby, or maybe even a life lesson? Only time will tell, but I'm excited to see where their journey takes them.

As I watch them, I feel a sense of pride and joy. They are growing up so fast, and I'm grateful to be a part of their lives. Another classic moment with my granddaughters, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday

(which I know was yesterday, but I was busy), I decided to reread an old favorite.

Even as an adult, I still found great enjoyment in the fun rhyme and the valuable lesson about responsibility that the story contains.

The vivid and imaginative illustrations added to the overall charm of the book.

As I turned the pages, it also brought back a flood of wonderful childhood memories.

I could recall the countless times I had read this book as a child, completely engrossed in the adventures of Horton and the egg.

The story's message about keeping one's word and being responsible for the things we commit to is as relevant today as it was when I first read it.

Overall, Horton Hatches the Egg is easily a 5-star book that I would highly recommend to readers of all ages.

It is a timeless classic that continues to delight and inspire generations.

I just read this book in my daughter’s elementary class for Read Across America week.

I absolutely adore it! It is truly one of my all-time favorites of Dr. Seuss.

The book is so incredibly clever. The way it rhymes is just amazing, making it an absolute joy to read aloud.

Not only is it fun to read, but it also has a great message that is both meaningful and important.

I remember reading it hundreds of times to my girls when they were young.

Each time, they would listen with rapt attention, giggling and enjoying every moment.

This book has truly stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved classic for children and adults alike.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful book to share with their family or students.

As an adoptive mom, I found the charge that the birth-mother was lazy and greedy extremely difficult to stomach.

In this particular case, Maysie completely abandoned the egg to someone with no clue as to whether that person was a good caregiver or not, and then simply took off. She is clearly not a good parent, but it is crucial to note that she is by no means representative of all parents who choose to place their kids for adoption.

I could see the questions forming in my son's mind as we read it. He wondered why she would abandon her egg and why she couldn't take care of it. In his head, he might be thinking, "Why couldn't my mom take care of me?" And the answer "because she was lazy and stupid" is definitely not the case for him at all! He also thought about whether his own first mother had ever wanted him back and if she had been denied access to him by us. (The answer is no, and she never would be!)

Furthermore, he was confused as to why that bird looked like Horton when that's not how it actually works. While Horton's efforts, trials, and the feeling of constantly being on display to be judged are indeed a reminder of the arduous process we went through to complete our adoption, in the end, this was just a painful experience.

I love Seuss, and we have an entire shelf filled with Seuss books. Hardly a day passes without us reading something by Seuss. However, this particular book is not one of our favorites. I am deeply worried about the implied message it gives people about adoption and that some kids may internalize the idea that all adopted kids must have "lazy good-for-nothing" birth parents.

Sighed Mayzie, a lazy bird hatching an egg:

"I'm tired and I'm bored

And I've kinks in my leg

From sitting, just sitting here day after day.

It's work! How I hate it!

I'd much rather play!

I'd take a vacation, fly off for a rest

If I could find someone to stay on my nest!

If I could find someone, I'd fly away--free..."

Plot/Premise: Mayzie does not want to hatch her own egg. So Horton, the elephant, steps in and does the job for her. It isn't that he loves the work either. But... "an elephant's faithful one-hundred percent!" He said that he'd take care of the egg, and he will. Because he always means what he says and says what he means. He's faithful through and through. What will happen when the egg hatches? Will Horton's steadfastness be rewarded?

My thoughts: I love this one. I do. I have loved this one since childhood. I'm not sure I could choose which Horton book I like best: Horton Hatches an Egg or Horton Hears a Who. Both illustrate great lessons. I don't mind the lessons so much in either one of these! Horton Hatches an Egg shows the importance of keeping one's word and being responsible. Horton endures a long and difficult task, but he never gives up. Mayzie, on the other hand, is selfish and irresponsible. She abandons her egg and tricks Horton into doing her job for her. The contrast between the two characters is very clear and makes for a great story.

His previous book, The King's Stilts, was about balancing work and play. And again, we see those themes at work in Horton Hatches An Egg. Mayzie is an incredibly selfish and lazy bird. She tricks the good-hearted Horton into sitting on her nest and hatching her egg. She lies to him as well, promising that she'll only be gone for a short amount of time, she has every intention of coming back soon. Horton is a great contrast. He endures much, suffers much. But he's calm and steadfast. He's diligent and faithful--disciplined.

I never noticed in my childhood HOW LONG Horton is sitting on that egg! At least three--if not all four seasons--go by! That is quite a LONG wait. I don't imagine that it is at all realistic for any species of bird. Of course, it didn't take away the enjoyment of the story. The long wait just emphasizes Horton's commitment and determination. It makes us admire him even more.

I love the surprise ending. Do you? When the egg finally hatches, what comes out is not what anyone expected. It's a funny and unexpected twist that adds to the charm of the story. Have you read Horton Hatches An Egg? Did you like it? love it? hate it? Do you prefer it to Horton Hears A Who? Or do you--like me--love both books almost equally? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

A wonderful rhyming story awaits you. It is a tale that features laziness, elephants that seem to be in trees, hunters on the prowl, a circus full of excitement, and some truly confusing genetics.

We found this story to be quite charming. You can't help but feel sorry for Horton. He gets tricked into doing something that goes against his very nature. After all, he is an elephant, and we all know that elephants have a reputation for always keeping their word.

The story takes you on a journey filled with interesting characters and events. The rhyming adds a musical quality to the narrative, making it even more engaging. As you read, you'll be drawn into the world of Horton and his adventures, experiencing his joys and sorrows along the way.

Whether you're a fan of rhyming stories or just looking for an entertaining read, this one is sure to delight. So sit back, relax, and let the story of Horton and his unique situation unfold before your eyes.

I read this wonderful book when I was a child. It left such a deep impression on me that when my own children were small, I couldn't wait to share it with them.

This book is truly one of the best children's books available. It has a charm and a magic that captures the hearts and imaginations of children of all ages.

While Horton Hears a Who is also a great book, I find myself having a special preference for this one. It may be simply because I had the good fortune to come across it first.

Thank you, Theodor Seuss Geisel, for creating this literary masterpiece that has brought joy and inspiration to generations of readers. Your talent and creativity continue to shine through the pages of this beloved book.

I look forward to sharing it with future generations and seeing the smiles on their faces as they embark on the wonderful adventures within its pages.

A fun and quirky typical Dr. Seuss book awaits you. It is filled with unique characters and vivid illustrations that will capture your imagination. The story focuses on important themes such as determination and the importance of sticking to one's word. Through the adventures of the characters, readers will learn valuable lessons about perseverance and integrity. Dr. Seuss has a way of making learning fun and engaging, and this book is no exception. Whether you are a child or an adult, you will enjoy reading this delightful book and being transported to a world of whimsy and wonder.

Many reviews speak ill of Mayzie for having abandoned her egg ("she is selfish, irresponsible"). However, NO ONE mentions the three humans who pointed rifles at Horton, cut down the tree where he was, locked him in a cage, subjected him to weeks of sailing, and then sold him to a circus... for fun!!! Where is the reproach for these actions? Where are the consequences?

Nice rhymes and drawings, but it bothers me that the message reflects that it is wrong to give up a responsibility but that it doesn't matter to intentionally harm another living being.

It seems rather unfair that the focus is only on Mayzie's actions while the much more cruel and unjust actions of the humans are overlooked. Horton was simply trying to do the right thing by protecting the egg, yet he was punished severely. This shows a double standard in the story. The beautiful illustrations and catchy rhymes may make the book appealing on the surface, but upon closer examination, the moral message seems a bit skewed.