How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
Published by Penguin Random House on October 12, 1957
Genres: [Children] Fantasy (Picture Book)
Pages: 32
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books a Million
4 Stars, Completed December 18, 2015
– SPOILER free –
I can’t believe it took me this long to finally get to this story despite having watched the animated and motion picture adaptations countless of times. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! was just as heartwarming as the films, and a picture book I highly recommend to families with children that are a fan of Dr. Seuss.
In this story, readers meet the Grinch, a grouchy creature that simply cannot stand Christmas and the idea that the Whos down in Who-ville celebrate and sing on the merry day. So then he comes to a “wonderful, awful” idea and devises a plan to steal Christmas. However, he soon realizes it isn’t so easy to ruin the Whos cheerful attitude and the joy of Christmas.
As you guys know, I don’t really read children’s books anymore, much less review them. But because I had this oppurtunity to read this classic, I went “why not?”
After having read it I wasn’t sure how I wanted to approach reviewing such a short book. I knew I wanted to stay away from my usual, somewhat lengthy reviews, so I think I’ll attempt to do it in a Dr. Seuss-esque style.
This book was long, long overdue
for me to start
but it’s never too late to read something new.
It was a story that warmed up the heart.Not to mention,
Dr. Seuss has a wonderful, unique rhyme scheme
it made readers have to pay attention
because there were so many tongue twisters it seems.The fantastical creatures
and made up characters
were the best elements and features.
And the adventure!Perfect for all children, I think.
And one that readers must read for the holiday season.
Now, please, go pick it up, (wink, wink)
now that Summer has given you a good reason.
Ugh, that was super cheesy. (So sorry!)
But in all seriousness, this is a wonderful children’s classic. The overall message proves that this is one of those where you’re never too old to read. Past all the silliness and tongue twisters, Dr. Seuss reminds us all a very important thing to remember about Christmas and the holiday season. They aren’t just about giving and the presents under the tree but rather a time to rejoice with the company of family and friends.
So I really hope that for those of you, like me, that skipped this classic as a child decide to pick up this book. It’s easily a twenty minute read that will make you smile. And perhaps if you’ve already read it, it’ll inspire you to reminisce about your childhood holiday memories.
Thank you Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! In no way did this affect my reading experience or honest review.
Omg did they send you a stuffed grinch as well!? 😀 I haven’t read this book yet but now I just might! Great review Summer. 🙂
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Thank you, Poulami! ^.^ And yes, they were nice enough to send me this box set. It’s not pictured but there’s a journal that comes with the book and stuffed Grinch, too. I think it’s a holiday special right now!
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Great review! I adore the movie adaptations of this book but have never actually read it, I must soon!
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Thanks, Emma! Ah, well you should definitely give it a read when you have the chance. It’s as cute as the films!
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Wow! Glad you liked it Summer! 🙂
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Thanks, Nicay! I am too. I wasn’t really sure what to expect since it’s been many years since I’ve picked up a children’s book. 🙂
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I don’t recall reading this but have definitely seen multiple versions of the film!
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Well I think the films covers the story pretty well. Actually the motion picture one with Jim Carrey has a script exactly as the book word from word.
But you should read it if you get the chance. (It’s not like HP where there’s like thousands of pages, haha.)
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Such a cute book! I haven’t read it as well so
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I haven’t read this as well but it looks beautiful so I will pick it up for my son, and read it along with him. (Sorry for the double post!) great review and poem!
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Ah, thanks so much, Joan! And please do; I think you and your son would love it! 😀 (And no worries; it happens!)
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I’m so happy I found,
this curious new blog.
Your review makes a sound,
like a brain-turning cog.
The Doctor was,
a large part of my youth,
which was longer ago,
than I care to reveal in truth,
but,
to outgrow Dr. Seuss,
would be such a bummer.
So,
Neverfear, my clever goose.
We have a friend in Summer!
My little rhyme is nothing next to yours, but what you did inspired me, a little.
Congratulations on the awesome stuffed Grinch!
Happy Reading!
~Icky. 🙂
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Ah, this was so lovely, Icky! Thanks so much for writing it; it really shows how you’re such a natural writer. Happy writing and reading to you as well. ^.^
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Aw, I love the stroy of The Grinch and I think it was great how much effort you put into making a little poem for this post. I can’t wait to read more of your blog x
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Ah, thank you so much, Alex! And yes, this was one of the sweetest stories I’ve read in a long time; it was perfect for this season. Happy blogging! 🙂
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Aw, merry Christmas ❤ x
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Thank you, Alex! Same to you! ❤
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CLASSIC! Love this book! PS I was on Twitter you got accepted into pharm school — congrats! That’s really exciting. I’m applying to grad school right now, and it’s exhausting. Glad to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel!
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Ah, thanks so much, Maria! And oh my gosh, I totally understand about how stressful it can be. Good luck with your applications! All the best to you, Maria! I hope your grad school(s) of choice get back to you with good results. 🙂
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I adore Dr. Seuss’ works! In fact, I think Dr. Seuss is the only author who manages to stick in heavy morales in all his works while still keeping the plot light and fun. His writing style is also really my style but as I grew up, I started to read less and less of his works. But now that you’ve reminded me of him, I think this would be a great book to read during the cold Christmas holiday season! Thank you for reminding me of Dr. Seuss along with all the good memories I have about his works Xing Sings! 🙂
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Dr. Seuss really does complete a child’s childhood, I think. You’re right, he writes in rhyme and silliness while adding those important messages. That’s probably why he’s very much respected in children’s literature. Ah, you’re welcome. Thank you for commenting, Ari! 🙂
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Yes! His works are always a fun to read. I really hated to read before but Dr. Seuss changed it all for me. You’re welcome Xing Sings! Happy new year! 😀
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What a bookshelf! 🙂
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Ah, thank you, Mark!
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Love Dr. Seuss. The books are light and fun to read and I enjoy them now too, even as an adult. So glad you got the festive box set. Hope that made Christmas even more brighter for you 🙂
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Thank you Resh Susan! It was a nice surprise and the story fitted the occasion so well. I hope you had a lovely holiday, happy new year!
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Thankyou. Hope your New year is super great too
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Omg that set is so adorable! It was lovely for the publisher to send it to you! I actually haven’t read any Dr Seuss since I was about… 6? I should revisit all of the books because I can’t remember anything at all about what those books were about. I can’t even remember which ones I’ve read, besides The Cat in the Hat! Your poem was lovely!!! Thanks for going to the effort of doing that 😀 MERRY CHRISTMAS, SUMMER!! ❤
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Hehe, thank you so much, Jenna! I hope you had lovely holiday. 🙂 To be honest, I don’t remember reading that many Dr. Seuss books growing up. How every Green Eggs and Ham was pretty impressionable. Probably because we had a Green Eggs and Ham day at the schools I went too. We were served that every year on Dr. Seuss’s birthday. XD
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That’s so cool! I wish we had that. Green Eggs and Ham is the one that I don’t remember ever reading… but I must have at some point since it’s probably the most famous one.
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