In this edition of Dr. Trey’s Book Report, I’ll dive into Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham—a whimsical classic that delivers a surprisingly deep message about growth, courage, and the power of trying something new. I’ve adapted the lesson especially for my students at Four Strings ʻUkulele Studio and Kapena School of Music & Creative Expression, showing how this story mirrors the musical journey we all take. Whether you’re hesitant to try a new chord, nervous to perform, or just unsure about something unfamiliar, Green Eggs and Ham reminds us that one “yes” can open the door to something wonderful. Each section includes a clear reflection, a direct connection to ʻukulele learning, and a special message for parents to support the process. You don’t need to own the book to follow along—but if you’d like to read it together as a family, it’s a joyful, confidence-building story that never gets old. Grab it here.
Green Eggs and Ham
Quick Summary:
Green Eggs and Ham is a playful story about a character who stubbornly refuses to try an unusual dish—green eggs and ham—despite being asked repeatedly in different settings and with various companions. No matter where or how the food is offered—on a train, in the rain, with a fox, in a box—he insists he won’t try it. But when he finally gives in just to be left alone, he discovers to his surprise that he actually likes it. The story gently teaches the value of keeping an open mind and being willing to try new things, even if they seem strange at first.
Fun Fact:
Green Eggs and Ham has 702 words total. That’s less words than there are on this page, which has approximately 750 words.
How This Connects to Your ʻUkulele Playing:
When you’re learning to play the ʻukulele, it can be easy to say, “I don’t like this chord,” or “I don’t want to try that song.” Just like the character in Green Eggs and Ham, you might feel uncomfortable when something seems weird or difficult. Maybe the F chord hurts your fingers, or the strumming feels off. But saying “I don’t like it” before really giving it a chance might stop you from discovering something awesome. The character keeps saying no: no to trying it in a house, no with a mouse, no here, no there. That’s like saying “I won’t play in front of people,” or “I won’t try fingerpicking,” or “I only want to play songs I already know.” But the more you say no, the more you miss out on opportunities to grow. Sometimes your teacher (kind of like Sam-I-am) will keep encouraging you—offering you new things, again and again—not to annoy you, but because they believe you’ll like it if you just give it a shot. Then comes the turning point: he tries it. Just once. And BOOM—he loves it. That’s exactly what can happen with ʻukulele. You might try a new picking pattern and feel proud. You might perform even when you were scared and realize it felt amazing. The moment you push past that first “no” and just try, you open the door to confidence and joy you didn’t know were waiting for you. By the end of the story, he wants to play (I mean, eat) everywhere—with anyone, anytime. That’s what happens when you keep practicing and exploring. You start off shy, unsure, maybe even stubborn—but when you keep showing up and trying, you become someone who plays anytime, anywhere, because it’s fun, because you’re proud, because you love it. Just like the character learned to love green eggs and ham, you might just fall in love with playing ʻukulele.
For Parents:
Green Eggs and Ham offers a simple yet powerful lesson for your child: that trying something unfamiliar can lead to unexpected joy. With the ʻukulele, your child may resist certain techniques or songs at first, simply because they feel new or hard. But by gently encouraging them—just like Sam-I-am—to explore, experiment, and give things a chance, you’re helping them build resilience, flexibility, and curiosity. These aren’t just musical traits; they’re life skills. Every time they try something new on the ʻukulele, they’re also practicing open-mindedness and courage. Just like the story, sometimes all it takes is one “yes” to unlock a lifelong love.
