We all know the tall green-haired creature that lives on Mt. Crumpit. He has a reputation for Stealing Christmas each year only to discover that the citizens of Whoville still celebrated. Even without their ribbons and bows or trees circled with light that shone each and every night, the Whos still came together, celebrating the joy of the season. The Grinch’s heart grew three sizes as he learned that love, friendship, and kindness were the true meaning of the holiday season. 
As I browsed the shelves this year for a new story to explore, I discovered that there is more to the Grinch’s tale! His story continues with How the Grinch lost Christmas. He enters the Whoville Tree Decorating contest. After pages and pages of design ideas, the Grinch creates one that he believes would win him a first-place prize. With Max’s help, he goes to work decorating the tree with reddish, greenish, and all colors in between-ish. His tree was the tallest of them all! The mayor of Whoville announced number two, and The Grinch’s heart started shrinking until it froze.
The best tree in Whoville went to little Cindy-Lou, who had the smallest tree. Her tree was filled with ornaments from every Who, except one. She left a special spot just for him, as he is a citizen of Whoville, too. With this, his heart grew a few sizes, and the holiday spirit returned. The Grinch crowned Cindy-Lou first prize for the best tree in all of Whoville.
This holiday season, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country is hosting ICE featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” A magical display featuring 6,000 blocks of carved ice that lifts the Grinch’s story straight from the books. I recommend bundling up if you decide to take this adventure and visit the Grinch. The temperature in the attraction is only nine degrees!
From the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas staff, board, and families, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
How the Grinch Lost Christmas by Alastair Heim
Reading Difficulty & Comprehension:
Average book length of 30 pages
Flesch Reading Ease Score 100
Reading Level – 5th Grade (Very Easy to Read)
Workforce & Employment:
Decorator, Logger, and Mayor
Family Dynamics:
That we celebrate other family members, even if we do not win.