The Lorax
Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.
The Lorax is a children's story written by Dr. Seuss and first published in 1971. The tale chronicles the plight of the environment and The Lorax (a "mossy, bossy" creature), who speaks for the trees against the greedy Once-ler.
The Once-ler is a neoclassical economics trained businessman who focuses on economic growth and expansion as the primary indications of the success and prosperity of business, regardless of the consequences.
Discovering the potential for profit in The Lorax's sacred Truffula Tree- covered forest, the Once-ler begins clearcutting it to produce and mass-market Thneeds.
The Lorax vehemently protests the destruction of the Truffula forest stating that the Once-ler is crazy with greed and that his business is destroying the Truffula ecosystem. But the Once-ler doesn't listen and continues desecrating the forest. The Lorax leaves behind a message: UNLESS, and a single Truffula seed.
The Once-ler understands that he must give the last Truffula seed to someone who "cares a whole awful lot." He finally understands how important the Truffula trees were, unfortunately, this revelation comes only after he has chopped them all down.
The Lorax was also made into a animated TV special, produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises
