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I Am Not Going to Get up Today!
Dr. Seuss's hilarious Beginner Book about a boy who refuses to get out of bed!
NOTHING is getting the young hero of this easy-reader out of bed—not an alarm clock, roosters, barking dogs, the police, the news media, or the United States Marines! With illustrations by beloved New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson—and a plot that children and adults can relate to—this is a funny fantasy that the whole family can enjoy together!
Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.
"A rhyming story that is full of laughs. 'The alarm can ring. The birds can peep....Today's the day I'm going to sleep,' says a lazy boy one morning, and despite a pail of icy water, television coverage, and the arrival of the Marines, he vows to stay in bed--and he does! The repetition of concepts and words will keep children turning the pages, as will the energetic drawings. A sure draw for early readers."-- Booklist.
NOTHING is getting the young hero of this easy-reader out of bed—not an alarm clock, roosters, barking dogs, the police, the news media, or the United States Marines! With illustrations by beloved New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson—and a plot that children and adults can relate to—this is a funny fantasy that the whole family can enjoy together!
Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.
"A rhyming story that is full of laughs. 'The alarm can ring. The birds can peep....Today's the day I'm going to sleep,' says a lazy boy one morning, and despite a pail of icy water, television coverage, and the arrival of the Marines, he vows to stay in bed--and he does! The repetition of concepts and words will keep children turning the pages, as will the energetic drawings. A sure draw for early readers."-- Booklist.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
39 people are currently reading
2,172 people want to read
About the author
Dr. Seuss
993books18.1kfollowersTheodor Seuss Geisel was born 2 March 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He graduated Dartmouth College in 1925, and proceeded on to Oxford University with the intent of acquiring a doctorate in literature. At Oxford he met Helen Palmer, who he wed in 1927. He returned from Europe in 1927, and began working for a magazine called Judge, the leading humor magazine in America at the time, submitting both cartoons and humorous articles for them. Additionally, he was submitting cartoons to Life, Vanity Fair and Liberty. In some of his works, he'd made reference to an insecticide called Flit. These references gained notice, and led to a contract to draw comic ads for Flit. This association lasted 17 years, gained him national exposure, and coined the catchphrase "Quick, Henry, the Flit!"
In 1936 on the way to a vacation in Europe, listening to the rhythm of the ship's engines, he came up with And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, which was then promptly rejected by the first 43 publishers he showed it to. Eventually in 1937 a friend published the book for him, and it went on to at least moderate success.
During World War II, Geisel joined the army and was sent to Hollywood. Captain Geisel would write for Frank Capra's Signal Corps Unit (for which he won the Legion of Merit) and do documentaries (he won Oscar's for Hitler Lives and Design for Death). He also created a cartoon called Gerald McBoing-Boing which also won him an Oscar.
In May of 1954, Life published a report concerning illiteracy among school children. The report said, among other things, that children were having trouble to read because their books were boring. This inspired Geisel's publisher, and prompted him to send Geisel a list of 400 words he felt were important, asked him to cut the list to 250 words (the publishers idea of how many words at one time a first grader could absorb), and write a book. Nine months later, Geisel, using 220 of the words given to him published The Cat in the Hat , which went on to instant success.
In 1960 Bennett Cerf bet Geisel $50 that he couldn't write an entire book using only fifty words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham . Cerf never paid the $50 from the bet.
Helen Palmer Geisel died in 1967. Theodor Geisel married Audrey Stone Diamond in 1968. Theodor Seuss Geisel died 24 September 1991.
Also worked under the pen name: Theo Le Sieg
In 1936 on the way to a vacation in Europe, listening to the rhythm of the ship's engines, he came up with And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, which was then promptly rejected by the first 43 publishers he showed it to. Eventually in 1937 a friend published the book for him, and it went on to at least moderate success.
During World War II, Geisel joined the army and was sent to Hollywood. Captain Geisel would write for Frank Capra's Signal Corps Unit (for which he won the Legion of Merit) and do documentaries (he won Oscar's for Hitler Lives and Design for Death). He also created a cartoon called Gerald McBoing-Boing which also won him an Oscar.
In May of 1954, Life published a report concerning illiteracy among school children. The report said, among other things, that children were having trouble to read because their books were boring. This inspired Geisel's publisher, and prompted him to send Geisel a list of 400 words he felt were important, asked him to cut the list to 250 words (the publishers idea of how many words at one time a first grader could absorb), and write a book. Nine months later, Geisel, using 220 of the words given to him published The Cat in the Hat , which went on to instant success.
In 1960 Bennett Cerf bet Geisel $50 that he couldn't write an entire book using only fifty words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham . Cerf never paid the $50 from the bet.
Helen Palmer Geisel died in 1967. Theodor Geisel married Audrey Stone Diamond in 1968. Theodor Seuss Geisel died 24 September 1991.
Also worked under the pen name: Theo Le Sieg
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
January 31, 2023
Theodor Seuss Geisel was an American writer, cartoonist and animator, best known to us for his children’s books. More than sixty of them were published under his pen name of “Dr. Seuss�, some of them the most popular children’s books of all time. They have sold over 600 million copies and been translated into more than 20 languages. “Dr. Seuss� was indeed a phenomenon.
Although he devoted most of his life to writing children’s books, “Dr. Seuss� had no children of his own, saying, “You have ‘em; I’ll entertain ‘em.� He certainly did that. Children everywhere pounce on these little books with their rhymes and humour. As shared or bedtime reading they are a popular choice for American children. As a way of teaching reading they seem rather limited, although great for fun, and reinforcement in reading. My only experience of “Dr. Seuss�’s books was listening to reluctant readers enjoying reading a few pages from “Green Eggs and Ham� to me occasionally, if it was their choice.
It was time to read one from cover to cover, and I chose I am Not Going to Get Up Today! for its challenging title, which is bound to appeal. Although “Dr. Seuss� usually illustrated his books himself, this one is illustrated by James Stevenson, in a similar cartoonish style, using line drawings filled in with bright water-colours.
“Please let me be.
Please go away.
I am NOT going to get up today!�
This first page indicates the template for the entire book. A little boy lays in bed in the morning, happily oblivious to all attempts to get him up out of bed. His mum tries to get him up with a tempting breakfast tray, then his sister and brother try, and as we follow the story through, the attempts to get him out of bed become increasingly more ludicrous and surreal, with braying donkeys, honking geese and even marching bands.
“Let them try to wake me.
Let them scream and yowl and yelp.
They can yelp from now till Christmas
but it isn’t going to help.�
The little boy imagines all the children all over the world who might be getting up, and this enables the reader to look at some attractive illustrations, as do the humorous scenarios. However, the book is aimed squarely at American children, with mentions of the very difficult to spell “Memphis, Tennessee ... Massachusetts and Connecticut and Maine�. Elsewhere we have the possibly unfamiliar United States Marines, and a very American cop.
The story-line is amusing, and children will love the repetitiveness, cheeky humour and bright illustrations. The ratio of pictures to text is tempting too; there’s not too much to “read�. I did feel that the book was a little too long though. It might have had more appeal as a shorter book to be read over again! The joke was extended just that little bit too far. The ending too, was a bit of a damp squib,
“I guess he really means it.
In fact I assumed my library book must have a page missing!
On the other hand, the book’s title will guarantee an audience, and the familiar style and humour of this idiosyncratic author will continue to appeal to little children of about 4 to 8 years old. I can imagine children worldwide hugging themselves with delight as they think of the stubborn little boy in this book.
Although he devoted most of his life to writing children’s books, “Dr. Seuss� had no children of his own, saying, “You have ‘em; I’ll entertain ‘em.� He certainly did that. Children everywhere pounce on these little books with their rhymes and humour. As shared or bedtime reading they are a popular choice for American children. As a way of teaching reading they seem rather limited, although great for fun, and reinforcement in reading. My only experience of “Dr. Seuss�’s books was listening to reluctant readers enjoying reading a few pages from “Green Eggs and Ham� to me occasionally, if it was their choice.
It was time to read one from cover to cover, and I chose I am Not Going to Get Up Today! for its challenging title, which is bound to appeal. Although “Dr. Seuss� usually illustrated his books himself, this one is illustrated by James Stevenson, in a similar cartoonish style, using line drawings filled in with bright water-colours.
“Please let me be.
Please go away.
I am NOT going to get up today!�
This first page indicates the template for the entire book. A little boy lays in bed in the morning, happily oblivious to all attempts to get him up out of bed. His mum tries to get him up with a tempting breakfast tray, then his sister and brother try, and as we follow the story through, the attempts to get him out of bed become increasingly more ludicrous and surreal, with braying donkeys, honking geese and even marching bands.
“Let them try to wake me.
Let them scream and yowl and yelp.
They can yelp from now till Christmas
but it isn’t going to help.�
The little boy imagines all the children all over the world who might be getting up, and this enables the reader to look at some attractive illustrations, as do the humorous scenarios. However, the book is aimed squarely at American children, with mentions of the very difficult to spell “Memphis, Tennessee ... Massachusetts and Connecticut and Maine�. Elsewhere we have the possibly unfamiliar United States Marines, and a very American cop.
The story-line is amusing, and children will love the repetitiveness, cheeky humour and bright illustrations. The ratio of pictures to text is tempting too; there’s not too much to “read�. I did feel that the book was a little too long though. It might have had more appeal as a shorter book to be read over again! The joke was extended just that little bit too far. The ending too, was a bit of a damp squib,
“I guess he really means it.
In fact I assumed my library book must have a page missing!
On the other hand, the book’s title will guarantee an audience, and the familiar style and humour of this idiosyncratic author will continue to appeal to little children of about 4 to 8 years old. I can imagine children worldwide hugging themselves with delight as they think of the stubborn little boy in this book.
February 27, 2016
This lesser known story has to be one of my favorite books by Dr. Seuss. I was thrilled when my son grabbed it from the shelf today. It is a silly story that my children actually quote snippets of from time to time. Who can resist a story about a boy who is adamant about sleeping in? I live vicariously through that kid every time I read this book. I suspect I always will.
July 30, 2017
I can very well imagine my kids reading this book to me and making it their favorites! Because it involves a boy who doesn't like to get up, no matter what!
As usual, Dr. Seuss books are a delight to read and re-read!
As usual, Dr. Seuss books are a delight to read and re-read!
October 12, 2018
I created four fun reading themes for my book choices, without limitations and proudly mention borrowing �I Am Not Going To Get Up Today� from friends. Readers agree they did not know this 1987 story, about a boy bent on sleeping in. Ridiculous interruptions testing his mettle do not work. I support his resolve and strike a three-star balance: admonishing stupid interference no passerby would impose, nor give a flying fig about.... but smiling at cacaphonous, zany exaggeration demonstrating the author’s point. Instead of Theodor Seuss Geisel’s drawings, these are by James Stevenson; who lived until 2017, last year.
Imagery is informed by stories. I only take issue with two. It should not be possible for anyone to dangle distractions over you through a window, nor does the boy’s short bed or blanket look comfortable; especially after flung water! The sequence would be realistic with fresh bedding. A funny constant is a policeman wanting the egg the boy declined and the Mom giving it to him in closing! This story did not make an emotional connection but I love the commitment about it not mattering what other kids do. This is his day! It was apparently ճǻǰ’s technique to transport readers by not naming protagonists.
A technique of mine is that I research authors I read; especially of children’s books too brief to summarize! We could presume Theodor started in humour magazines but it was a pleasure to read that he tackled major company logos and even wartime artwork. A funny misadventure started his Seuss moniker: getting booted from a university’s magazine for having gin during prohibition! An astonishing discovery is that he was Captain Geisel in a WWII art department and what’s more.... won two Academy Awards for war films! I cannot fathom winning Oscars as anyone’s least-known accolade!
Imagery is informed by stories. I only take issue with two. It should not be possible for anyone to dangle distractions over you through a window, nor does the boy’s short bed or blanket look comfortable; especially after flung water! The sequence would be realistic with fresh bedding. A funny constant is a policeman wanting the egg the boy declined and the Mom giving it to him in closing! This story did not make an emotional connection but I love the commitment about it not mattering what other kids do. This is his day! It was apparently ճǻǰ’s technique to transport readers by not naming protagonists.
A technique of mine is that I research authors I read; especially of children’s books too brief to summarize! We could presume Theodor started in humour magazines but it was a pleasure to read that he tackled major company logos and even wartime artwork. A funny misadventure started his Seuss moniker: getting booted from a university’s magazine for having gin during prohibition! An astonishing discovery is that he was Captain Geisel in a WWII art department and what’s more.... won two Academy Awards for war films! I cannot fathom winning Oscars as anyone’s least-known accolade!
November 29, 2016
Once again a top-notch book by Dr. Seuss and this time with superb illustrations by James Stevenson.
It reminded me of my summer holidays in Calcutta when I used to sleep until 10 am or 10:30 am and it used to drive my eldest sibling mad. But the boy in "I am NOT Going to Get Up Today!" beat me at my game by totally refusing to get up.
His mother makes his favourite breakfast comprising of a large boiled egg and takes it to his room on a tray like hotel room service. However, it is no use.
His siblings try every trick in the trade to make him get up, including throwing a bucket of cold water filled with ice cubes. But Big Brother doesn't budge an inch. His pet dog appears shocked too!
The neighbours raise a din, a big brass band plays all around the house and, in fact, the Marines too come marching in. Will the boy wake up now? Will he be able to eat the egg before the story ends? Read the story to find out and read it to your child as s/he will love it.
It reminded me of my summer holidays in Calcutta when I used to sleep until 10 am or 10:30 am and it used to drive my eldest sibling mad. But the boy in "I am NOT Going to Get Up Today!" beat me at my game by totally refusing to get up.
His mother makes his favourite breakfast comprising of a large boiled egg and takes it to his room on a tray like hotel room service. However, it is no use.
His siblings try every trick in the trade to make him get up, including throwing a bucket of cold water filled with ice cubes. But Big Brother doesn't budge an inch. His pet dog appears shocked too!
The neighbours raise a din, a big brass band plays all around the house and, in fact, the Marines too come marching in. Will the boy wake up now? Will he be able to eat the egg before the story ends? Read the story to find out and read it to your child as s/he will love it.
June 7, 2019
Honestly, same.
10/10 Would stay in bed again.
10/10 Would stay in bed again.
September 2, 2024
I think the ending was quite funny. What do we learn from it? If you don't get up you won't get the stuff you want to have. And yes I know that someone was rapping the whole book so that's how I came up to read it. Anyway, better wake up or you won't achieve what you always wanted to have. Also, love how the dog in this book just stayed in bed with him.
February 23, 2019
Please let me be.
Please go away.
I am NOT going to get up today!
...
You can tickle my feet.
You can shake my bed.
You can put cold water on my head.
But you're wasting your time.
So go away!
I am NOT going to get up today!
This is still cute. As you get older, wanting to stay in bed every Monday morning turns into an act of hostile rebellion. And it doesn't rhyme.
In bed is where I'm going to stay.
And I don't care what the neighbors say!
I never liked them anyway.
Aw, you're already one of us, kid.
Feb 16, 19
* Later on .
December 20, 2023
This book is both depressing and relatable. It is about a boy who decides not to get out of bed one day.
"Jordan Simons" raps the poem, and it becomes even better! Here's a link to the video:
"Jordan Simons" raps the poem, and it becomes even better! Here's a link to the video:
April 13, 2022
3 stars & 3/10 hearts. It’s a fun book to read aloud, with some great rhymes, but I had an issue with the kid refusing to get up when he was supposed to ;P I know it’s all light-hearted fun, and I don’t think it’s a BAD book, it just got on my nerves that all this fuss was about him not getting up. However, my siblings quite enjoyed it.
October 7, 2016
This kid is dead.
January 3, 2025
This was such a sweet story. I loved the main character.
March 21, 2016
Just a cute, funny book. No deeper message, no made up Seuss-ian words. Just silly.
May 12, 2020
Cute story! This would be fun to read on a pajama day or when your kid’s stuck in bed when they’re sick.
March 4, 2023
مود چند وقت اخیرم.
November 12, 2018
Having fun revisiting Dr. Seuss books. I started out by just listening to the audiobook Green Eggs and Ham and Other Servings of Dr. Seuss which is an audio collection of nine stories narrated by Jason Alexander, Michael McKean and David Hyde Pearce. Most of them are fun enough to listen to without even the visual support of the wonderful illustrations, but I have to say I found this story disappointing. Funny enough because you’d think I would set this one to music and make it my personal anthem since I spend so much of my time sleeping or napping. But the prose is so much less imaginative and lacking the rhymes and tongue twisters I’ve come to associate with Dr. Seuss, and the book is illustrated by James Stevenson and has a completely different look and feel, so that the whole thing all put together doesn’t have much to do with the Dr. Seuss of old I grew up with and came to love so much as a kid. I suppose this can be explained by the publication date—the book was released in 1987, when Ted Geisel was into his 80s and possibly having health problems—he died of cancer only a few years later in 1991.
September 15, 2017
Pretty much how I want to live my life everyday
5/5 snoozes 💤💤💤💤💤
5/5 snoozes 💤💤💤💤💤
March 26, 2019
This is my autobiography.
April 22, 2020
Arina likes Dr.Seuss, I like him more :)
June 15, 2023
this wasn't illustrated by Dr. Seuss, and I missed the quirky characters and creatures. about a little boy who just refuses to get up in the morning, and all the ways people try to wake him. I salute his dedication. over the top and funny as usual
"please let me be. please go away. I am not going to get up today!
the alarm can ring, the birds can peep. my bed is warm. my pillow's deep.
today's the day I'm going to sleep."
"please let me be. please go away. I am not going to get up today!
the alarm can ring, the birds can peep. my bed is warm. my pillow's deep.
today's the day I'm going to sleep."
August 16, 2017
I read this at the library today. It was like seeing myself in a book! I'm like this every day! Hah!
April 9, 2018
i read this with my book buddy but the main point is everybody is trying too wake a boy up.
January 19, 2019
He is a sleepy head just like my dad
December 10, 2022
As a constantly sleepy girlie, I feel seen.
Thank you Dr. Seuss.
Now back to bed I go.
Thank you Dr. Seuss.
Now back to bed I go.
March 5, 2023
من� هم همینطور پسر. من هم همینطو�.
(شما فقط لطف کنید جای Kids رو با Lighting Technicians عوض کنید که مبادا شبهها� بماند که آقای دکتر� سئوس این کتاب رو از زبان من و برای من نوشته.)
(شما فقط لطف کنید جای Kids رو با Lighting Technicians عوض کنید که مبادا شبهها� بماند که آقای دکتر� سئوس این کتاب رو از زبان من و برای من نوشته.)
March 22, 2024
I did not want to read all of it. It was a long story. I liked the police.
January 10, 2025
This book could be about my dad
December 28, 2024
Literally me every day
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 28, 2024I wish I was this kid
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December 25, 2017Very funny!! Enjoyable!!
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