If he were alive today, Dr. Seuss (born Theodor Seuss Geisel) would turn 109 on Saturday. He was a celebrated writer, poet, and cartoonist best known for his children's stories.

As Dr. Seuss, Geisel wrote and illustrated 44 children's books. As of today, they have been translated into more than 15 languages and have sold over 200 million copies around the world.

In many elementary schools and libraries across America, as part of National Read Across America Day (instituted in in recognition of his life-long contribution to literature), volunteers have stopped in to read and share some of Dr. Seuss' stories with students.

In honor of the life and work of Geisel, here are ten interesting facts about the cherished author:

1.   Theodor Geisel served in the United States Army during World War II. He worked in the animation department and while there, wrote the Academy Award-winning documentary about Japanese culture, Design for Death.

2.   Unlike most writers, Dr. Seuss insisted on being paid after he completed a book rather than in advance.

3.   While attending Dartmouth College he was editor-in-chief of the college's humor magazine the Dartmouth Jack-O-Lantern. After getting caught drinking by the Dean of students, he was forced to quit all extracurricular activities. Geisel, however, continued to work on the magazine without his knowledge.

4.   While Geisel was living in La Jolla, California, his mail was often confused with that of another resident, Dr. Hans Seuss. The personal papers of Hans Seuss can now be found in the Geisel Library and the University of California, San Diego.

5.   Dr. Seuss has a star on the Hollywood walk of Fame. He was honored posthumously in 2004.

6.   Although he married twice, he never had any children.  It is widely known that Dr. Seuss was actually not a big fan of children. He is quoted as often saying, "You have 'em; I'll entertain 'em."

7.   Dr. Seuss was not Geisel's only pen name. He also wrote under the name Theo LeSieg (Geisel spelled backwards) for books that he himself did not illustrate.

8.   Several of his books discuss heavy social and political issues: The Lorax (1971), about environmentalism and anti-consumerism; The Sneeches (1961), about racial equality; The Butter Battle Book (1984), about the arms race; Yertle the Turtle (1958), about Hitler and anti-authoritarianism; How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1957), criticizing the consumerism and materialism of Christmas; and Horton Hears a Who! (1950), about anti-isolationism and internationalism.

9.   As a liberal Democrat, Geisel was not pleased with the pro-life movement's use of the line "A person's a person, no matter how small!" from Horton Hears a Who! and his widow often makes objections to its use in the campaign to this day.

10.  Throughout his life Dr. Seuss was honored for his many accomplishments and his awards include two Academy awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, and the Pulitzer Prize.