Seuss Writes A Few of My Favorite Things...

Dr. Seuss, the writing pseudonym used by Theodor S. Geisel, is the wit and wonder behind many a classic child’s tale. Seuss’ distinctive artistic style, use of a select color palette, simplistic moral and educational teachings through clever, often hilarious rhyming text are much loved by readers of all ages.

With his unique and charming character drawings of such fascinating creatures as the Grinch; the main character of this holiday tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, proves to be yet another tribute to his genius and way with words sure to create lasting impressions long after his tales have been shelved.

For you see, this Grinch hated Christmas. The whole Christmas season! And this Grinch monster extrodanaire who lived high atop his Mt. Crumpit, was scheming a scheme most seemingly mean. Oh yes, the Grinch set out to make this particular holiday season one the residents of Who-ville would not soon forget...

Every Who
Down in Who-ville
Liked Christmas a lot...

But the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville did NOT!

Usually unhappy and dour, the Grinch was ever more so on this Christmas Eve. For beneath the Grinch's sinister glare, resided the inhabitants of Who-ville. The cheerful, the merry, those lovable Whos.

For fifty-three years the Grinch has put up with these Whos, the small and the tall, the young and the old, the girls and the boys; this year was no surprise. But yet, something was different...

The Grinch got an idea! An awful idea!
The Grinch got a wonderful, awful idea!

This year the Grinch has decided to stop Christmas from coming. No toys, no noise, no feasting, and certainly NO singing was his aim, dressing as Santa indeed was his game. He'll steal all the presents, the food and tree trimmings!

So the Grinch sets about to do away with this holiday season by making a suit, a sleigh, and dressing up his old, unfortunate pup. Poor Max, his reluctant canine conspirator, must dress as a reindeer and pull his master's rickety sled.

THEN
He loaded some bags
And some old empty sacks
On ramshackle sleigh
And he hitched up old Max

And the sleigh started down
Toward the homes where the Whos
Lay a-snooze in their town.

His nasty deed done, he returns home and awaits the sadness sure to come as the Whos realize that their Christmas has not come. He grins and he listens, straining to hear... But much to his surprise, Christmas comes to these Whos anyway. How can that be?

He stared down at Who-ville!
The Grinch popped his eyes!
Then he shook!
What he saw was a shocking surprise!

There they were, holding hands, their voices rising in song. Happy, not sad as the Grinch thought they would be without those stolen presents and bobbles. Their food was all gone! Yet these Whos did not seem to care for those things. And the Grinch stood pondering how this could be. No presents, and no tree...

And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."

"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

And it will be to the delight of many young readers, that the Grinch’s heart grows. Upon realizing that the Whos do not need the trappings and gifts he has stolen, the overall message of Christmas as more about friends and family tradition comes to light; becoming a gentle reminder to readers of what is truly important on this holiday, and each day of the year.

In typical Seuss fashion, much like The Lorax’s endearing tree hugging message of environmental conservation; I believe this tale was perhaps Seuss' penning of his personal distaste for the way in which Christmas was becoming so incredibly commercialized. With materialism preceding the more traditional gatherings of Old. As a parent of two young children, I must agree...

’Tis more about family and tots, rather than that of trappings and material things!

This classic tale is recommended for ages 4 - 8. My eldest child of six years has no trouble comprehending the moral behind this Grinchy tale, nor any difficulty in reading the simple text without assistance from Mom or Dad. Interestingly enough, my daughter of one year appears to be truly fascinated with this tale as well.

Drawn in the minimal hues of reds and black throughout, her desire to pull this book from our shelves has yet to waver in regards to the lack of brighter colors or fancier illustrations found in more recent Seuss works. This is a classic tale I would recommend to any family for an enjoyable and thought provoking read at any time of the year.

Seuss Tidbit: The great visionary and writer himself, Theodore S. Geissel, born March 2, 1904, passed away in 1991. A great loss to young and old readers worldwide. It is my hope that his works go on to inspire and charm new readers for many more years to come.

It should also be noted that in the 1957 printed version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (drawn in shades of red and black), there is no mention of the Grinch being unlike the other Whos in regards to color. However, it was mentioned in the later animated film release. Perhaps a subtle statement by Seuss about racism at the time of the 1966 animated version with Boris Karloff as narrator; the Grinch was at that time, green, and thus unlike the other Whos.

This epinion is part of a Favorite Christmas Book Write-Off, hosted by Elorraine. Other participants include: acdc711, adrienne10, AmyLEnsor, Bmcnichol, bpotter1, Caleo, cbgresh, CjsMommy, coldsteel7, dandj, Diane-E , dreamcatcher39, drlolipop, ed_grover, fresca, Grouch, JdinPA, JENNI1396, jenninca, jennull, jgibson2, kristinafh, Lisa_J, lucky43560, lunadisarm, margomargo, meanbeast, msmorvay, nightridrr2000, poseidon, Redlass, shazzle99, tiasmom, Trevsmom and Workingmomof2.

Please take a moment to check out the writings of these many fine writers.

Happy Holidays!