Random House Children’s Books has increased its first printing on What Pet Should I Get?, a new picture book by the late Dr. Seuss, from 500,000 to 1 million. The book, which goes on sale July 28, was first announced in February, after the unpublished manuscript was rediscovered by Seuss's (given name, Ted Geisel), widow, Audrey Geisel, and his longtime secretary and friend, Claudia Prescott, in fall 2013.
“We were absolutely overjoyed to see the response to What Pet Should I Get? from every corner of the book world—the bookselling community, media, educators, and readers nationwide,” said Barbara Marcus, president and publisher of RHCB. “A new book by a publishing legend like Dr. Seuss is an extraordinary event, and we are delighted to announce an increased first printing to 1 million copies, to match the incredible support and pre-orders we are seeing. We know that readers everywhere are eager to see this new and exciting book.”
The book features the brother and sister characters from Seuss’s One Fish Two Fish Red Fish, who attempt to choose a pet.
“It is an honor for us to carry on Ted’s legend with What Pet Should I Get?— a story that we know will be treasured by the very youngest to the oldest of Dr. Seuss fans,” says Susan Brandt, president, licensing and marketing, Dr. Seuss. “Ted loved and had pets himself, as a young boy on up through adulthood, and that makes the wonderful excitement and buzz for this new book all the more special.”
