San Diego Magazine / September 2010 / iRhymes

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iRhymes

Though La Jollan Theodor Seuss Geisel passed away in 1991, the good doctor is back, 21st-century style, thanks to another local: Encinitas-based Oceanhouse Media, a software startup founded by video-game industry exiles. President Michel Kripalani, UCSD alum and former UCSD library advisory board member, was granted license by Dr. Seuss Enterprises to create and sell an app for How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and, based on its success, given access to Seuss’ entire library. He recently released Green Eggs and Ham and plans to introduce one or two titles per month.

So far, they’re doing almost as well as the iPad: As of mid-July, nine of the 30 top-selling books on iTunes are those of Dr. Seuss. Kripalani, who has two young daughters, counts himself as a fan of the late author.

 “[Theodor Geisel] looked at books as entertainment, but he really looked at them as learning and teaching tools first,” says Kripalani. “He was one of the first people to say, ‘How do we make it fun and playful and original and wacky on top of that?’ ”

Seuss books come to life on the iPhone and iPad, with explanations given and words audibly pronounced. Viewers can also choose to have the story read to them.

For more information, visit the iTunes store and search for “Dr. Seuss.”