LA JOLLA, Calif., April 3 -- In commemoration of Theodor Seuss Geisel's 100th birthday on March 2, 2004, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced today plans for a yearlong tribute to the man known and loved by generations of Americans as Dr. Seuss. "Seussentennial: A Century of Imagination" will celebrate Geisel's creativity, imagination, and invaluable contributions to American society that live on today through his beloved books and iconic characters.

The events and activities comprising "Seussentennial" will celebrate all aspects of Geisel's life. Not only is he among the most beloved and bestselling children's authors of all time, having written and illustrated classics such as "Green Eggs and Ham" and "How The Grinch Stole Christmas!," but he was also a political cartoonist for PM magazine during World War II, as well as a contributing illustrator for Vanity Fair and Life. Geisel had a long, successful advertising career, his paintings hang in fine art galleries, and he was an Academy Award winner for his wartime documentaries, as well as his animated short film, "Gerald McBoing Boing."

"Ted and I were married for more than 23 years, and sometimes when you are very close up, you do not have a broad perspective of the subject," said Audrey Geisel, Ted Geisel's widow. "So at this point in time, it is especially rewarding and gratifying for me to take a long view of the man I lived with, along with the rest of America, and marvel at his many facets by bringing 'Seussentennial' to life."

Few people have had more beneficially significant impact on American culture than Dr. Seuss. He wrote and illustrated 44 books for children, including "The Cat In The Hat," which revolutionized the teaching of beginning reading skills in the U.S. His books have been translated into more than 20 languages and have sold more than 500 million copies worldwide. Geisel coined the terms "nerd" and "grinch" which have become common English idioms. His literary works have been interwoven into daily culture as evidenced by Seuss-themed theatrical films, theme-park attractions, Broadway stage shows, educational CD-ROMS and numerous television programs.

Special Seussentennial Events

In January 2004, Random House Children's Books kicks off "Countdown to Seussentennial" -- 100 days of events and celebrations honoring Geisel's memory. The "Countdown" includes a cross-country tour, which will visit more than 40 cities, bringing "Seussentennial" to life through performances of Dr. Seuss stories by actors and costumed characters, readings, and interactive Imagination Workshops. Through a partnership with First Book, Random House will donate thousands of new books to underprivileged children in each community on the tour.

In February 2004, Random House Children's Books will publish "The Seuss, The Whole Seuss, and Nothing But The Seuss: A Visual Biography" by Charles D. Cohen and "The Boy on Fairfield Street," a picture book biography of Dr. Seuss written by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. These books will provide valuable insight into the multi-faceted, inspirational life of Theodor Seuss Geisel for readers young and old.

The Geisel Library at the University of California at San Diego will unveil a three-part, yearlong rotating exhibit highlighting "The Seuss You Never Knew," "Ted Geisel's Never-Before-Seen Drawings and Cartoons" from the Dr. Seuss archives, and "Seussiana -- Dr. Seuss as an American Icon." Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Children's Museum of Manhattan also plan to commission an interactive Dr. Seuss children's exhibit designed to empower children through imagination, encompassing activities drawn from Dr. Seuss books.

The Chase Group is also planning a major gallery tour and 2004 exhibition for the "Seussentennial": The Art of Dr. Seuss -- A Retrospective Exhibition. This tour will travel to top Chase galleries across the country and will chronicle the life and career of Ted Geisel with a focus on the common artistic links throughout Geisel's life from his early drawings at Dartmouth College, through his editorial, advertising, military, and book illustrations, and finally, his Secret Art collection.

Other special "Seussentennial" events being planned include a special Read Across America event by the National Education Association and a celebrity book review program.

For additional information and a complete listing of "Seussentennial" activities, please visit www.seussentennial.com.

Dr. Seuss Enterprises, LP

Founded in 1993 by Audrey Geisel, Dr. Seuss Enterprises maintains the integrity of the original Dr. Seuss books, characters and their invaluable contribution to children's literacy. The company actively works with its licensees, providing them strategic direction and helping them build synergistic relationships with one another to ensure the books and characters will maintain their original personalities for future generations. Dr. Seuss Enterprises is located in La Jolla, Calif.