Guide Note

Horton Hatches the Egg is a children's book by Dr. Seuss, which was first published in 1940 by Random House. A sequel to the book, entitled Horton Hears a Who, was published in 1954. Horton Hatches the Egg was adapted into three animated shorts, and partially inspired the Broadway musical, Seussical, which premiered in 2000.

Fast Facts

1. Author: Dr. Seuss
2. Genre: Childrens Books
3. Publication Date: 1940
4. Publisher: Random House
5. Pages: 64
6. ISBN: 039480077X
7. Sequel: Horton Hears a Who

Horton Hatches the Egg is about an Elephants named Horton, who is duped by a bird named Mayzie to sit on her egg while she goes off on vacation. Horton is ridiculed by other animals in the jungle and has to endure many obstacles, but he never gives up. Eventually the egg hatches, and the infant inside looks like a cross between Horton and Mayzie.

In 1942, Merrie Melodies produced a ten minute animated short based on Horton Hatches the Egg. In 1966, a Russian film company made an 18 minute adaptation which was titled, I am Waiting for Nesting. And in 1992, Random House released an adaptation that was narrated by Billy Crystal.