Common Sense Note
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 Review
Reviewed By: Robyn Raymer
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.
Plot Summary:
The cantankerous Grinch hates the holidays--principally because of the Yuletide racket. Aiming to halt Christmas in its festive tracks, the potbellied, pink-eyed Seussian Scrooge impersonates Santa and confiscates every last Who-ville Christmas bauble and goody, from trees to tricycles to cans of Who-hash. This classic Christmas read-aloud features one of the funniest scoundrels in children's literature.
Related Books:
Other Christmas read-alouds include Calvin's Christmas Wish, Eloise at Christmastime, and Olive, the Other Reindeer.
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ViolenceThe Grinch may scare the littlest readers |
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Social BehaviorThe Grinch steals the entire community's Christmas goodies, but the thief experiences a complete change of heart. He cruelly mistreats his dog at first. |
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