You're Only Old Once! A Book for Obsolete Children
Dr. Seuss
📚 Genre
Children's Literature / Adult Humorous Fiction / Satire
🏢 Publisher
Random House
📅 Publication Year
1986
🔢 ISBN
978-0394551906
About This Book
A humorous look at aging and the medical system, following an elderly gentleman through a visit to the Golden Years Clinic. The cover features typical Dr. Seuss whimsical illustrations, including characters in yellow and blue medical gowns, with a bright yellow and white background.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
48
Edition
First Edition Hardcover
Series
Standalone work
Target Audience
Adults / General Audience (marketed humorously as a book for 'obsolete children')
Collector Information
Condition
Very Good. The hardcover is clean with minimal shelf wear, sharp corners, and intact glossy laminated boards.
Estimated Value
$15-$40
Rarity
Common. Widely printed and easily found on the secondhand market, though clean first editions in very good condition maintain modest collector interest.
Historical Significance
One of the few Dr. Seuss books specifically targeted toward adults, addressing the universal anxieties of aging and navigating healthcare with Seuss's signature whimsy and rhyme.
Collector Notes
Key points for collectibility include checking for the first edition number line on the copyright page and ensuring the laminated board cover is free of scratches or heavy fading. Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrant cover colors.
Similar Books
Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss, The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss, Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Notable Features
First edition indicator on copyright page typical of Random House 1980s releases; classic Dr. Seuss rhyming style directed at older adults.