When editors from Random House Children’s Books visited the Dr. Seuss collection at UC San Diego’s main library in May, they were looking for something special: a work that could tie in with America’s upcoming 250th birthday.

Among the thousands of sketches and other archival materials stored on the Geisel Library’s second floor, they found a manuscript by Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, that sought to teach readers how to learn all 50 state names.

It included a cover sketch featuring the Cat in the Hat and notes on art direction for a never-finished project.

On June 2, “Sing the 50 United States!” will be released, with a first printing of 500,000 copies.

The book will include illustrations done by artist Tom Brannon “in the style of Dr. Seuss,” as well as a publisher’s not

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