Anderson's celebrates new Dr. Seuss book

When an unpublished Theodore Giesel picture book manuscript came to light recently, the publishing world was thrilled. Because, of course, Giesel is none other than the late, great Dr. Seuss. Oh the fun, fun, fun, fun bookstores have set to celebrate the release of "What Pet Should I Get?"

Best estimates are that the manuscript was done between 1958 and 1962, as the brother and sister characters in the book are the same as the siblings in 1960s classic "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish." Seuss died in 1991, but the fun lives on.

Anderson's Bookshops in Naperville and in Downers Grove have set aside Tuesday, July 28, the new book's release day, to honor the author who made reading fun for generations.

In the Naperville store at 123 W. Jefferson Ave., enjoy story times and face painting, plus a visit from The Cat in the Hat. Story times are planned for 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., followed by a 5:30 p.m. costume pet parade. Pets will be available for adoption from the Naperville Area Humane Society and from Dog Patch Pets. Call (630) 355-2665 for information.

In Downers Grove, opening ceremonies at Anderson's Bookshop, 5112 Main St., will include social media darling/rescue celeb dog Kale Chips. He is also up for adoption.

Happy Dog Barkery, 5118 Main St., Downers Grove, will partner with Anderson's and to host story times at noon and 2 p.m. The noon story will be dog-centric, including reading therapy dogs in attendance, and the 2 p.m. story will be cat-centric, with adoptable kittens available.

Back at Anderson's Bookshop at 4 p.m., the day will wind up with a donation to foster dog group One Tail at a Time based on the number of "What Pet Should I Get?" copies sold. For information, call (630) 963-2665.

This never-ever-before-seen picture book by Dr. Seuss about making up one's mind is the literary equivalent of buried treasure. What happens when a brother and sister visit a pet store to pick a pet? Naturally, they can't choose just one.

The tale captures a classic childhood moment - choosing a pet - and uses it to illuminate a life lesson: that it is hard to make up your mind, but sometimes you just have to do it.

For information on events at Anderson's, visit andersonsbookshop.com.