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Dr. Seuss' lesser-known characters pay a visit

by Caitlin Moyles

Horton, the Grinch, and the Cat in the Hat are instantly recognizable to fans of Dr. Seuss' children's books, but lesser-known characters abound in "The Art of Dr. Seuss Tour" at the Peabody Gallery in Menlo Park.

Born Ted Geisel, Dr. Seuss created a plethora of artwork that did not appear in his books, said Ruth Dailey, fine art specialist at the Peabody Gallery.

The limited edition reproductions, which include paintings, illustrations, and sculptures, were issued by the Chase Group in collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Audrey Geisel, the wife of Dr. Seuss, said Ms. Dailey. The items will be available for purchase through June 30.

"This is the work he did playing, relaxing and having fun," Ms. Dailey said. "It allows 'Seussians' to see what Mr. Geisel created behind the scenes."

Paintings such as "Cat From the Wrong Side of the Tracks" and "Pink-Tufted Small Beast in a Night Landscape" are priced at several thousand dollars, she said.

Prints (11 by 14 inches) from his celebrated books, including "One Fish Two Fish" and "Green Eggs and Ham," are priced between several hundred and several thousand dollars, depending on their popularity and rarity.

"That's the value of the collection, when you can see the depth and breadth of (his) work," Ms. Dailey said. "The tour really immerses you in the creative spirit of Dr. Seuss."

The gallery, which hosted a Dr. Seuss tour in 2004 for the centennial of his birth, plans to host another Dr. Seuss tour called "Secrets of the Deep" in October, Ms. Dailey said.

The Peabody Gallery, located at 603 Santa Cruz Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Visit peabodygallery.com for more information.