Book Review: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
What Parents Should Know
Seuss's lovingly constructed rhymes teach the merit of
making reparations for misdeeds, and question the
commercialization of Christmas. The story may inspire a
discussion on holiday customs. Kids love hating the mean, funny
villain and cheering his reformation. Whimsical illustrations
and witty rhymes keep kids captivated.
Common Sense Media Review
Who can resist a
Who? "Every
Who down in
Who-ville, the tall and the small / Was singing!
Without any presents at all!" And the skinny-legged Grinch
delights, even in his wickedness--with his heart "two sizes too
small."
Dr. Seuss subtly exposes greed and commercialism and
promotes the values of love and community with wit, humor, and
flawlessly constructed rhymes. The true spirit of Christmas
leaps off the double-page spread of the Whos holding hands,
even after all their Christmas presents and decorations have
been stolen. Cleverly, Dr. Seuss uses the same picture
presented at the beginning of the story (when readers first
meet the Whos) to show that their spirit has not changed.
The illustrations are in pen and ink, with some red
added. This kind of printing was common in 1957, when the book
was first published, but it may disappoint modern readers who
have seen the animated and/or live-action movie versions and
expect full-color illustrations. However, the energy, vitality,
and charm of both drawings and verse make this book a treasured
American classic.
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