Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss — that ubiquitous purveyor of children’s literature and one of La Jolla’s best-loved claims to fame — would be turning 108 years old on March 2. Though he died in 1991, his legacy lives on through his timeless books (and the growing number of movies being adapted from them, including “The Lorax,” set to release on his birthday), his art and, at least locally, a number of buildings that bear his name. In honor of the great rhyming master, the La Jolla Village News spoke with his wife, Audrey Geisel, about life with Dr. Seuss. La Jolla Village News: How did you meet Theodor Geisel? Audrey Geisel: We met on a whaling boat. It got rather rocky and unsteady. I was pitched in his direction and we collided. That was the beginning. LJVN: What was your role in his professional life? Were you involved in the books at all? AG: I was very involved in the books, particularly in the color choices. It was always his book, but I was there as kind of a collaborator. LJVN: “The Lorax” is now coming out. Have you seen it? AG: Oh, yes. We went up and saw [the premier] and it’s quite good. We approve it. LJVN: Were you consulted at all on the movie? AG: Yes, the [producers] came down and we met here. I know [producer] Chris Meledandri real well, so there was a collaboration. It’s a nice movie. LJVN: “The Lorax” focuses on environmental concerns. Was that a topic Dr. Seuss felt strongly about? AG: He cared about it, yes. The book’s Truffula trees came from a trip to Africa. He looked up at one of the [local] trees, and said, “That’s my tree. They’ve stolen my tree.” So that’s where that came from. LJVN: Do you still sit down and read his books from time to time? AG: Well, life goes on, so that doesn’t really happen. But I do oversee everything and attend the movies and so forth. LJVN: What would you say was his objective with his books? Was it the artistic endeavor or the learning aspect — teaching children — or both? AG: He had a foot in many areas. But learning was definitely a part of it. LJVN: What was your life like living with him? Did it change greatly after the two of you were married? AG: It changed quite a deal, as I had never been with an author. I had been with someone who was in medicine before, so it was very different being with the kind of person he was. LJVN: What was his sense of humor like? AG: It was very dry, very wry. With friends, he was always wry and dry and very humorous. LJVN: A lot of the plant-life around San Diego that looks like it’s straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. Do you know if he was inspired by some of the flora here? AG: Oh, he was inspired by everything he could use and make a part of his books and his world. So yes, it could be. LJVN: Do you do anything to celebrate his birthday every year? AG: Well, we never really celebrated anybody’s birthday. They weren’t such a big deal. But I will be there for the birthday occasions [at UCSD] and that sort of thing. In honor of Dr. Seuss’ 108th birthday, UC San Diego will celebrate with an annual party on March 2 starting at 11:50 a.m. at the foot of Geisel Library. Free punch and cake will be served while entertainment is provided by the Teeny Tiny Pit Orchestra playing songs from “The Cat in the Hat” songbook. An exhibit of materials from the Dr. Seuss Collection will also be on view through March 9 in Geisel Library.