McELLIGOT'S POOL,

By Theodore S. Geisel,'25 (Dr. Seuss). Random House, 1947, 5$ pp.$2.50.

To those of us who have missed the earlier books of Dr. Seuss (Ted Geisel '25, to Dartmouth men) and therefore know him only as the creator of superior unzoological specimens, McElligot's Pool opens up new vistas for the zany-minded. The fantastic contortions of his many fascinating creatures are still here, but are limited by his subject which is fish. The results are still highly imaginative and thoroughly improbable. Serious fishermen may flinch when they see the fish who loves flowers, or the eel with a head at each end. But should they? Who knows what the sea can produce, and if you want to find out, this is your chance.

The book is primarily for children but its appeal is to anyone of any age who has an imagination and a sense of humor. The literal-minded had best skip this. The story, also by Dr. Seuss, is in rhyme form. It has a nice swing that will make it easy to read aloud and easy to listen to. It is the tale of a young fisherman dreaming of the fish he MIGHT catch. From the point where young Marco starts telling the farmer about what may be in the pool, fishes of every description swim across the pages. They are of every shape and dimensions and are neatly described in poetry. There is vigor and imagination and a nice attention to detail.

The book is so well done and so balanced between the possible and the utterly incredible, that the inevitable "Read it again" request will not cause too much anguish. No one but Dr. Seuss could have produced so much fantastic fun, but everyone can enjoy the results.