Theodor Seuss Ted Geisel (/ ˈ s uː s ˈ ɡ aɪ z əl / ( listen); March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991) was an American author, political cartoonist, poet, animator, book publisher, and artist, best known for authoring more than 60 children's books under the pen name Doctor Seuss (abbreviated Dr. Seuss) (/ s uː s /).