He taught us that discolored eggs and breakfast meat can still be tasty. He showed us that even the sourest of Grinches can find Christmas cheer. He showed us that a cat wearing a hat can be the most interesting of friends.

But most of all, Theodor Seuss Geisel — known to most of the world as Dr. Seuss — taught us how to have fun with our words and imagine the world.

Monday marked what would have been the American children’s author’s 105th birthday, an event celebrated by school kids across the county and across the nation.

Seuss’ legacy reverberates just as strongly as his tongue-twisting rhymes still do.

Ranked among the most acclaimed children’s authors of all times, Seuss’ books have sold more than 222 million copies in 15 languages.

Studies show that children who read or who are read to at a young age have a greater chance of developing a passion for reading later in life and also will have a good jump start on language and communication skills.

But the thing that may have given Seuss such staying power is that his books are entertaining, interesting and educational, capturing the attention of young and old alike.

Seuss’ books have been so successful because his colorful characters and interesting illustrations speak to children, holding their interest and opening their eyes to the ways books can transport us to magical places.

But those same books are fun for adults who realize that with every Who or Thing 1 or Thing 2, their child is learning that reading is an important thing to do.