Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, is one of the most popular children’s authors of all time. Over the years, he has published over 60 children’s books— most under his well-known pseudonym.

His books have topped bestseller lists numerous times and he’s sold over 222 million copies of his books. According to the Dr. Seuss bibliography on wikipedia, “In 2000, when Publishers Weekly compiled their list of the best-selling children’s books of all time, 16 of the top 100 hardcover books were written by Geisel, including Green Eggs and Ham, at number four, The Cat in the Hat, at number nine, and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, at number 13.”

Even with his large amount of success, his beloved children’s books are now sparking controversy. Six books are being taken off the shelves for “racist and insensitive imagery.” The books being taken off the shelves consist of the following: And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, If I Ran the Zoo, McElligot’s Pool, On Beyond Zebra!, Scrambled Eggs Super!  and The Cat’s Quizzer.

Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced they would cease to publish these books. “These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,” Dr. Seuss Enterprises told The Associated Press in a statement that coincided with the late author and illustrator’s birthday. “Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families.”

However, this news hasn’t come without backlash. Complaints about “cancel culture” have arisen as not everyone wants to get rid of these childhood classics. In fact, The New York Times reported after the announcement, a surge of support for Seuss classics occurred. “Dozens of his books shot to the top of Amazon’s print best-seller list; on Thursday morning, nine of the site’s top 10 best sellers were Seuss books.”

An article with AP News states, “For the country’s libraries, what to do with the Seuss books being withdrawn continues a longstanding conflict between the values of free expression and acknowledging that some content may be hurtful.”

While these six books are being pulled off the shelves, Seuss’ best selling classics, such as Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham, are still being published. If these books were put under fire, however, it could’ve ended up a completely different business proposition.