One of our favorite Dr. Seuss classics, this book teaches a child the cause and consequences of overconsumption. Whether through greed, ignorance, or carelessness, we mindlessly consume useless products that fill our homes but leave us feeling empty. Through the wisdom of a mystical creature whose presence is lost by the destruction of the environment, Suess explains the pitfalls of global, unchecked capitalism. In classic Seuss fashion, the rhythmic, lyrical words of the story leave the child with a sense of wonder at how adults can be so cruel to the plight of the Swomee Swans and the Brown Barbaloots, and a sense of urgency to not allow The Onceler’s future to become our own.

I meant no harm. I most truly did not.
But I had to grow bigger. So bigger I got.
I biggered my factory. I biggered my roads.
I biggered my wagons. I biggered the loads
of the Thneeds I shipped out. I was shipping them forth
to the South! To the East! To the West! To the North!
I went right on biggering… selling more Thneeds.
And I biggered by money, which everyone needs.

For a picture book with a similar message meant for a younger audience, Mindful Muslim Reader recommends The Cloud Spinner.