Liana Finck's cartoons would make Dr. Seuss proud. The first image saw a retired couple on what was supposed to be Machu Picchu. But it wasn't different from Morocco. They were on a tip of a pointed hat, which was similar to Dr. Seuss's Cat (in the Hat). This was one of his most popular tales, about a child who let mayhem inside a peaceful home. Anyone who read this story knew that the cat was the personification of it, prompting sensible readers to wonder about the whereabouts of the boy's parents. Mom might be on the sides, quietly approving what was taking place in her very home. Dr. Seuss was hinting a very important moral lesson, about mayhem being essential in growing up. There couldn't be any other way.
Finck's next image was Horton's reaction to the war in Syria. Agatha Christie penned a novel about elephants having long memories, and Horton wasn't making light of the situation. The cartoonist could be hinting of the following: There was nothing new about it; mankind's follies never ceases to amaze anyone (including Horton); and whatever happened to the world. If Horton was a 3-D figure, then those eyes were bulging with anything but shock. It doesn't mean that Dr. Seuss (or Horton) was condoning the tragedy, yet one couldn't help but wonder if the world would be a better place if Horton was residing in the White House. This must be followed by another interesting image.
One fish was about to fall into the sea of political reverie, followed by two more. Some readers would be reminded of the lyrics of "The Twelve Days of Christmas", and they were spot on. It wasn't hard to imagine Finck adding three fishes (and maybe four more). It would be a depressing sight, but the colors suggest otherwise. She was reminded of Dr. Seuss's subtle message about courage and resilience, and such that kids weren't too young to learn such traits. It might keep them from becoming too jaded later in life.
The fourth image was rather suggestive, as the Cat himself declared that he doesn't have pets. It shouldn't be taken literally, as his peaceful smile would mean something. A pet would fill the emotional void, which may not be a good thing for the owner. Dr. Seuss could hint of the downside of dependence, which would be human nature. The sum of the four images had a message, loud and clear. Let's not forget the next one.
The Lorax was one of the unforgettable characters of Dr. Seuss, a forest creature who preached the enduring power of hope. Finck's image showed the Lorax rubbing elbows with a fellow from the 1970s. It was a tumultuous decade when pent-up emotions from the 1960s couldn't be held any longer. There was a spill, yet Finck's colors suggested anything but chaos. Dr. Seuss might be looking at a glass half full, and the Lorax would remind the younger generation about something else. There was no need to go further.
