Wordplay games and interactive exhibits that recreate the worlds inside the playful mind of Dr Seuss, one of the most popular of all children’s writers, are to be unveiled later this month in east London.
A year-long exhibition celebrating the work of the American creator of The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax will form the entire basement floor of the revamped venue, Discover in Stratford, from 23 July.
“We have built the small house from The Cat in the Hat and, of course, we have a talking fish too. There is also a chance to dress up as either Thing 1 or Thing 2,” said Karla Barnacle-Best, chief executive of Discover, referring to characters from the book. “Children can see the railway from Green Eggs and Ham and have the opportunity to make signs about the things they see.”
The Dr Seuss displays focus on four of his best-known stories, The Cat In The Hat, The Lorax, Green Eggs And Ham and Oh, The Places You Will Go. Children and adults can climb on to the Once-ler Wagon from The Lorax or play music with the Boom Band from Oh The Places You will Go.
“We have some of the Truffula Trees from The Lorax, which you can chop down and take apart,” said Barnacle-Best. “Then there are places where children can stop and talk about whether taking them down was such a good idea. There are quiet spaces too, for sitting and reading the books.”
Discover now has three floors of public space, following its refurbishment. “We have reworked all our story worlds and have really been able to build on the foundations we had before,” said Barnacle-Best. “The ground floor is now mainly for younger children, with a cave which allows you to light up images and make sounds.
“The whole premise is that children and adults should have the time and the space to explore and play together.”
The first floor is aimed at older children, but still has an emphasis on interactive and tactile exhibits. As well as fresh artwork, including a specially commissioned painting by writer and illustrator Chris Riddell, the children’s laureate, there will be a new monster-themed cafe, a steampunk ship and crow’s nests and walkways for visitors to explore and play on.
Discover reopens on 23 July
