Six books written by U.S. author Dr. Seuss will stop being published because they contain racist and insensitive imagery.

"These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong," Dr. Seuss Enterprises said in a statement on Tuesday, which coincided with the late author'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," it added.

The books which will have their publication ceased are 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.

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The decision to cease production on some of the books was made last year after months of discussion, which included listening to feedback from the book's audience.

"We then worked with a panel of experts, including educators, to review our catalog of titles," the company added.

Books by Dr. Seuss – whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel – have been translated into dozens of languages, as well as braille and are sold in more than 100 countries across the world.

And despite passing away in 1991, his books remains popular, earning an estimated $33 million before taxes in 2020, up from just $9.5 million five years ago, Dr. Seuss Enterprises said.

However, in recent years some of his books have come in for increased criticism over the way Black and Asian people heritage among other are drawn in them.

The National Education Association in the U.S. had urged schools not to use Seuss's books and encouraged them to allow their children to read from a more diverse list.

The Cat in the Hat, one of Seuss's most famous books, has also received criticism but will continue to be published for now.

However, Dr. Seuss Enterprises did say it is "committed to listening and learning and will continue to review our entire portfolio."