Cover of How the Grinch Stole Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
 

Written in 1957 and published as a book by Random House and also an issue of Redbook magazine.  Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss's real name) said that the Grinch was based on himself, “I was brushing my teeth on the morning of the 26th last December when I noticed a very Grinch-ish countenance in the mirror.  It was Seuss!  So I wrote about my sour friend, the Grinch, to see if I could rediscover something about Christmas that I obviously lost.”  The Grinch is the first adult and the first villain to be a main character in a Dr. Seuss book.  Theodore Geisel's car license plate was “GRINCH”.

Some facts about the book:

  • As of 2005, it has been translated into nine languages, including Latin.
  • The first adaptation was an animated television special in 1966, with a narration by Boris Karloff, who also was the Grinch's voice.
  • “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” from the 1966 special was sung by Thurl Ravenscroft in a deep bass voice.
  • In 2000, the book was adapted into a live-action film, directed by Ron Howard and starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch.
  • In 2018, a 3D animated feature film starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch was released.
  • In 2022, the book was adapted into a horror film, directed by Steven laMorte and starring David Howard Thornton as the Grinch.
  • In 2009, an interactive e-book version was released for the iPhone.
  • In 2023, Wondery released a podcast inspired by the book, hosted by James Austin Johnson.
  • A musical stage version was produced in San Diego in 2007.  It was also produced on Broadway and went on tour in 2008.
  • The National Education Association listed is a one of its “Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children”
  • In 2012, it was ranked 61st among the 'Top 100 Picture Books" in a survey published by School Library Journal.  It was one of five by Dr. Seuss on the list.
  • The word "grinch" is in the Merriam Webster dictionary.  It means killjoy or spoilsport

Source - Wikipedia