Originally published in 1960, "Green Eggs and Ham" was written as the result of a bet between publisher Bennett Cerf and the author. Cerf wagered that Dr. Seuss could not write a book using less than 50 different words. The resulting book became the fourth best selling children's book of all time. Sam-I-Am is the lead character who tries to convince another character to try green eggs and ham. The other character refuses through page after page of attempts to get him to try the dish. Finally, worn down after pages of pressure he breaks down and tries a bite. He finds he does indeed like Green Eggs and Ham and would eat them anywhere. The story has been used to convince generations of children to try new and different things.

Theodor Seuss Geisel studied physics at Oxford University but left before graduating to become a cartoonist. During WWII he made a living drawing political satire cartoons drawing posters for the Treasury Department and the War Production Board. He joined the Army as a Captain and was commander of the Animation Department of the First Motion Picture Unit of the United States Army Air Forces, where he wrote propaganda and Army training films.

After the war he turned his attention to children's books and found his life's calling. He wrote 44 books and many dozens more were written in his style. Some of the books were made into movies and TV series. He has been given dozens of awards and honors for his work. Today, March 2 is officially Dr. Seuss Day.

More Info: seuss.wikia.com