66-Year-Old Wacky Book That Was Banned in China One of the ‘Best Children's Books Ever'
Do you like green eggs and ham? The narrator of one of the most beloved children's books ever doesn't, and he makes it clear to Sam-I-Am.
Yes, Dr. Seuss'Green Eggs and Ham sits near the top of the list of "Best Children's Books Ever," and it's not all that surprising. It sits in second place on the list curated by Goodreads' users, just behind Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
‘Green Eggs and Ham' Was Once Banned in China
While plenty of Seuss books have been banned throughout the years in the United States, Green Eggs and Ham wasn't one of them. There were claims once upon a time, but it turns out that the claims were based on a satirical article in Reason magazine. Sure, the story has been challenged, especially as people challenge anything by Dr. Seuss, but Green Eggs and Ham was never outright banned.
That was in the United States, though. In China, it's a whole different story. The story itself is one that encourages children to try new things, and for most, it meant trying different foods, but in Maoist China, that was taken in a different context. Between 1965 and 1991, Green Eggs and Ham was banned because it was viewed as a commentary on Marxism.
The Chinese government suppressed the book due to the mantra, "I do not like them, Sam-I-Am, I do not like green eggs and ham." It was after Seuss' death in 1991 that the government felt like the ban could be lifted.
A Book Ideal for Young Readers
Despite the bans and challenges, Green Eggs and Ham is considered a great book for young readers, especially for picky eaters. The dynamic between the unnamed protagonist and Sam-I-Am is funny and memorable, while the use of just 50 distinct words keeps the story simple.
The illustrations are bold and eye-catching, while the message behind it is positive. There's a focus on trying new things without creating a perceived opinion. After all, would we really want to try green eggs and ham? Probably not, but we're all encouraged to give it a go, because we don't know until we try it!
Now tell me you're not speaking to Sam-I-Am in your head right now!
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 2:28 PM.