Author / Illustrator: Theodor Seuss Geisel
The Story: The dastardly Grinch is fed up with the cheery denizens of Whoville as they prepare to celebrate Christmas with gifts, feasts and song. On Christmas Eve he takes on the role of anti-Santa, in the hope that depriving the Who-children of presents will scupper their festivities.
Why is How The Grinch Stole Christmas! your favourite Christmas book?
There are clear parallels between the Grinch and Dickens’ iconic Ebeneezer Scrooge, but this classic tale is refurnished to brilliant comic effect with Seuss’ idiosyncratic illustration style and rhyming. It has spawned a Chuck Jones animation classic and a Ron Howard feature film and, whilst they are both brilliant, you can’t beat the sheer warmth of the original story. I’ve been reliably informed that the tale turns 60 years old this year but, like the Grinch, its heart continues to grow.
Can you describe a favourite illustration or give a favourite quote from How the Grinch stole Christmas and tell us why you chose it.
Like all tried and tested classics, the message of the story is is every bit as salient today as it was when it was written (if not, more so). It’s encapsulated perfectly in the phrase:
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought
“doesn’t come from a store.
“Maybe Christmas… perhaps…
means a little bit more!”
In an age when we face an annual post Halloween barrage of Christmas ads, it serves as a soothing antidote to yuletide consumerism. And most importantly, without an ounce of piousness.
About Duncan
Duncan’s Books
The Bear Who Stared (Templar, 2016) *Nominated for the 2017 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize
The Lumberjack’s Beard (Templar, 2017)
The Last Chip (pub, 11th Jan 2018, Templar)
Which book is on your Christmas wishlist this year?
I have dropped several hints that I would like a copy of ‘Scoundrels’ which was co-written by an old childhood friend of mine. It’s been reviewed as a “panda-hunting, Everest-climbing, Nazi-castle-storming” comedic romp. I think I’ve been good this year, so fingers crossed it will be in my stocking.
2017 Story Snug Advent on Pinterest
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