Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
Dr. Seuss ~ Random House, 1973

I know, I know... another Dr. Seuss. But I am posting on this one for a number of reasons. The first being that I am leaving for Mexico in about 2.3 hours, and my son is napping and all his books are in his room (except this one) and I can't afford to wake him up at this point. The second being that this is my son's birthday, and he loves this story. The third being that as today is my son's birthday, this particular copy of Did I Ever Tell You was one I received from my mother on my 7th birthday and it is inscribed...

To XXXXXXX
Happy Birthday
Love, Mommy
July 19,1979

Simple but timeless. That said, this is the only Seuss book I remember coveting as a child. So much so that I took it to college with me, and to NYC when I moved into my first grownup place, and now, here it sits on my desk in Texas. I always liked the dedication which reads...

This Book,
With Love
is for
Phyllis
the Jackson

At the time, I thought it was such a funny and cool sentiment, now I know it to be a tip of the hat to the Dr's longtime agent.

Anywho, for those not in the know...

When I was quite young and quite small for my size,
I met an old man in the Desert of Drize.
And he sang me a song I will never forget.
At least, well, I haven't forgotten it yet.

The book chronicles all the places and people you're lucky you're not. Pictured here is my favorite ditty.

And suppose that you lived in that forest in France,
where the average young person just hasn't a chance
to escape from the perilous pants-eating-plants!
But your pants are safe! You're a fortunate guy.
And you ought to be shouting, "How lucky am I!"

Also by:
McElligot's Pool
The Lorax
Come Over to My House
Bartholomew and the Oobleck