Hop on Pop as Queer Children's Lit

Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss has been delighting children for generations and my daughter is no exception. I've probably read it to her 100 times by now.  Unlike many children's books, each new reading of Hop on Pop reveals something new in the text.  Buried in the subversive narrative, I think I've found evidence which can prove Hop on Pop is an early example of Queer Children's Literature. 

 First, let's consider the title.  The idea of 'Hopping' on pop is subversive as it suggests leaping atop conventional symbols of power, in this instance "Pop."  The title also connotes "Daddy" imagery which is popular in gay culture. 

 In further examining Hop on Pop's homosexual connotations, we come to Red, Ned, Ted and Ed, four males seen here sharing a bed.  It's possible this image is just a rendering of young boys at a sleepover, perhaps there's nothing sexual or gay about it.  However, considered in the larger context of the narrative, this image takes on larger significance. 

Consider old Pat here.   An earlier page establishes Pat's identity as male by use of the pronoun "Him."  "Pat, Pat.  They call him Pat." Then begins a series of pages on which Pat sits on things with various degrees of confusion and dismay.  However, look at the absolute pleasure Pat seems to be experiencing while sitting on a bat, which is an obvious phallic symbol. 


If you remain unconvinced, I offer the conclusion to my argument Hop on Pop is an early example of Queer Children's Literature, the story of Mr. Brown. 

Here we see Mr. Brown presented as being in a conventional marriage.  But there's one problem: Mr. Brown is "upside down." 

  Feeling depressed, Mr. Brown plays games with his puppy, historically man's best friend, then ultimately finds the strength to leave his unhappy situation. 

 There is obvious confusion for Mr. Brown as he exits his known world and the last vestiges of his unhappy home slip away, ushering him into a new, scary world which lacks form, or structure or even ink, symbolizing Mr. Brown's journey into the unknown.  

 

Seen here at a river, a symbol of the flowing and transitional nature of life, Mr. Brown returns from his soul searching in oblivion to find his true self in a partnership with another man, Mr. Black.  The despair of a life 'upside down' has left him as Mr. Brown walks hand in hand with his new lover.   

 Like "Daddy," "Snack" has emerged as a slang term in hook-up parlance, particularly popular among the homosexual community.  Here we see the full culmination of Mr. Brown's journey, having gone from the angst of being upside down with his wife to a grounded, nurturing relationship with Mr. Black which provides sustenance for Mr. Brown and Pup.  It's also important to note the snacks they eat are sausages and bananas, two foods shaped like dicks.  


Though Hop on Pop does not offer overt approval for homosexual lifestyles as some Queer Children's Literature does, it does not shy away from portraying potentially homosexual behavior or characteristics in