Here are some potential candidates, based on his own writings and comments:
* Lewis Carroll: Dr. Seuss was clearly influenced by Carroll's nonsensical wordplay and fantastical worlds in *Alice's Adventures in Wonderland* and *Through the Looking-Glass*. He even created his own version of "Jabberwocky" called "The Grickle Grass" in his book *The Cat in the Hat*.
* Edward Lear: Lear's nonsensical limericks and playful language in books like *A Book of Nonsense* likely inspired Seuss's whimsical style.
* W.S. Gilbert: The witty wordplay and absurd situations in Gilbert's operas, such as *The Mikado*, might have resonated with Seuss.
* Hilaire Belloc: Belloc's humorous and satirical verses, particularly his children's poems, could have contributed to Seuss's comedic voice.
* L. Frank Baum: Baum's imaginative world-building and whimsical characters in *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz* share similarities with Seuss's creations.
It's important to note that these are just educated guesses. Dr. Seuss never explicitly declared his favorites, and his writing style was unique and blended various influences.
To learn more about Dr. Seuss's literary influences, you can:
* Read his books: Pay attention to the language, themes, and characters, and see if you can identify any possible inspirations.
* Research his biography: There might be clues about his reading habits and literary heroes.
* Explore his writing process: Some of his letters or interviews might shed light on his influences.
By studying his work and life, you can gain a deeper understanding of Dr. Seuss's literary inspirations and the complex tapestry of influences that shaped his unique writing style.