Dr. Seuss book 1 of 2, The Cat in the Hat, #518

Years after its first publication, "The Cat in the Hat" still charms. Several factors make it appealing to kids. First, it is not difficult for a new reader. For instance, most words used in the book are monosyllabic. Only one word--another--has three syllables. Only 14 words use two syllables, and the rest--some 221 words--contain one syllable. Second, it has a kind of sing-songy rhythm to it. The cadence is attractive to a new reader. Third, its plot is appealing since it uses imagination and it paints a portrait of utter mischief. There is a kind of tension in the book that all children feel; there is the fish (the adult voice of reason) and then there is the cat (the childish, fun, devil-may-care attitude). The book balances out that tension in an entertaining way. The book ends with asking a subtly moralistic question regarding whether the children should tell their mother the truth. Dr. Seuss's books seem like nuanced moralism; they certainly are not overt, which is another appeal for kids.

I don't know of another children's author who is like Dr. Seuss. Each author has his of her unique style of writing, and I don't know of anyone who emulates Dr. Seuss.