How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 64 pages Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (October 12, 1957) Language: English

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss is a children's story about the true meaning of Christmas.  Written and illustrated by Theodore Seuss Geisel in 1957, it tells the story of the Grinch's vendetta against Christmas. The Grinch, a fictional character in the story who lives on Mt. Crumpet just north of Whoville, has a venomous distaste for rampant noise.  With the holiday season fast approaching, and the accompanying noise ever more apparent, the Grinch comes up with a plan to ruin the merry holiday.  What follows is a very interesting yet subversive display of the superficiality of Christmas - as the Grinch decides to do away with the holiday by destroying the physical trimmings and trappings commonly associated with Christmas.  What a surprise at the end when he discovers that Christmas is not about presents and tinsel, but love and joy in its purest form. Not just another Seuss story for the bookshelf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic fable who's theme is quite comparable to that of A Christmas Carol.  In fact, it does one better by bringing the lessons and moral down to the level of a child in unique and imaginative ways. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a must-read during the holidays.  Also, it is a must-watch!  A classic film adaptation was created in 1966 and plays often on public television during the Christmas season.  Finally, a more recent film featuring comedian Jim Carrey is also available.