“Where do they come from?”
The illustration spanning the two pages in which the narrator asks “Where do they come from?” is a visual interpretation of the overarching theme of the entire story. Which is, basically, there are lots of fish in this sea called planet earth. And while there are similarities, there are also striking differences, as exemplified by the long parade of creatures which is marching from the edge of the left page, across the spine and way off into the fading perspective of the distance into the upper right corner of the opposite page. The narrator answers he can’t say where they come from, but then that’s not the point. The point is they are here and they are going to keep coming.
Mike on the Bike
Take a look at the opening pages and what does this appear to be? The most simplistic of learning books using single word rhymes with no narrative. In fact, this book is not really considered to be a story book at all. But when one peers more closely and pays attention, not only is it a story book, but it is almost like a collection of short stories. Mike’s story is short, spanning just two pages, but much is learned from the imagery presented in both the text. The illustration continues the thematic overlay by portraying a creature significantly different from the boy and girl. The text and visuals combined create imagery that transforms Mike from a freeloader into a very helpful friend.
Ned
On the other hand, the story of Ned and his too-short bed is presented in serial form, interrupted in the middle by the tale of Mike on the bike. Seuss engages imagery subtly here to indicate to his young readers that though Ned’s story is interrupted for two pages, what occurs on each side of Mike is connected. The visual palette is dominated by the white of the page so that the yellow Ned and the somewhat teal-blue shade of his bed are placed in striking counterpoint. By contrast, even though the white page is still at the forefront in Mike’s tale, it is dominated by bushy red background against Mike and the two kids are cycling. Even the same yellow which marks the clothing of the kids seems less intense. Turning the page brings the reader right back into the story of Ned with the same blue and yellow contrast.
Gender Stereotyping
Alas, the book does feature one bit of imagery that may be considered outdated in the modern zeitgeist of gender equality. The little short story about how much fun it is brushing blue hair features the sister, of course. While this only makes sense—especially within the context of the time in which it was written—it is also notable that the blue of the hair is not particularly vivid and that almost the entire page is framed in a curtain of pale pink decorated with bows. If written today, it might well be the brother rather than the sister as a commitment against traditional gender stereotyping.
