Loyalty and keeping promises are good virtues to start with, and they are in short supply in the world of 451 . But Dr. Seuss also appeals to the word child in me, and the world of Fahrenheit 451 does not value words or teach children their power to enchant. This is why I would also memorize Judith Viorst's delightful collection of verse, If I Were in Charge of the World . The images and rhymes are wonderful. Since Hanna moved away.
Flowers smell like halibut.
Velvet feels like hay. But there's more here than just rhyme and rhythm. Judith Viorst remembers what it feels like to be six years old. Her poems are about children who say NO, and tell each other's secrets, who love their cats and hate their baby brothers, who mourn for dead hamsters, and hate to say they're sorry. Children will listen to these verses and recognize themselves, depicted with gentle amusement and love.