Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: The Grinch Takes a Vacation: A Grinch Story

Dr. Seuss Graphic Novels

by Kaeti Vandorn

He's a little mean, definitely green, and now Dr. Seuss's beloved and iconic character, The Grinch, is starring in his very own chapter book graphic novel! Everyone's favorite holiday grump is back in a brand-new adventure!It's vacation time in Whoville but The Grinch doesn't understand...what is a vacation? Determined to learn what the Whos seem so excited about, The Grinch decides to give a vacation a try! Unfortunately the mountains are too snowy, the beach is too sandy . . . vacations just might not be something that Grinches do? Thankfully, his dog Max isn't letting the Grinch give up that quickly!Will there be some fun in the sun for everyone's favorite Grinch or is the Whos' favority grumpy neighbor doomed to stay home?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Comics, Juvenile, Middle Grade, Humor, Fiction

96 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Random House has launched a series of Dr. Seuss books turned into graphic novels, and, while none are inspiring, this one is better than Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Green Eggs and Ham Take a Hike: A Green Eggs and Ham Story. That’s damning the book with faint praise, but so be it.

The Grinch, no longer so misanthropic, still lacks a lot of knowledge of what normal people — I mean, Whos — are like. In this case, the Grinch learns about vacations. Author Kaeti Vandorn manages to imbue this chapter book with some humor and whimsy. Luckily, the Grinch isn’t seen as something for preschoolers, but rather a life lesson for all. Definitely worth a read.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Random House Children and Random House Graphic in exchange for an honest review.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should I admit how much I relate to the Grinch with his grousing at crowded beaches, long lines at amusement parks, and over-exerting yourself with physical activities while on vacation? Ok-he’s my spirit, um, grinch for sure.

Cute story, art was middling. Maybe because Geisel’s art was unparalleled, as well as the unique absurdity only he could deliver. Tough act for any illustrator to follow. There’s no comparison. But a fun book, nonetheless.

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drawings are detailed and the color selection matches well with one another; it reminds me of the doodle assignments I had to do as a digital arts student in college where the doodles are meant to form some sort of collage. The Grinch is grumpy as always, but they made him so… cute? Almost understandable and willing to try new things, which doesn’t seem like a characteristic the original Grinch has. Nevertheless, it’s a refreshing read to be reading about a character I grew up watching movies from. I would definitely read more if there are additional books to the series!

I also love how there’s a “life lesson” at the end of the book, perfect for children to read! The choice of words are also easy for children to relate to and read as beginners.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy for review!

[Stephanie Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a super fun story with super cute illustrations all about the Grinch getting out of his comfort zone and going on vacation to try new things away from Whoville. All his adventures going to the beach, the amusement park and the mountains were fun and him posting on social media how much fun he wasn’t having was a hoot. Great for kids who love Dr. Seuss and want to see more adventures with his iconic characters.
Thanks to Random House Graphic and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Ang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad for a graphic novel … probably a decent book for practicing reading as it wasn’t as rhyme-y as his usual books. I loved the graphics. Very on brand that the grinch did not enjoy any of the vacation spots he tried. Overall, 3/5 stars ⭐️

[StylesPlenty · Rating 3 out of 5]

The grinch has become a favorite in our household.  This was a super cute illustrated story about how the grinch goes on vacation and tries new things away from Whoville.I will be recommending it and purchasing it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS!!

I found this graphic novel cute and fun. I read it to my 4 year old twins and overall they enjoyed the story of what I was able to read aloud and the pictures. The pages are colorful and fun, but for their age are a bit hard to follow the actual premise of the story (which I expect for them). Because there were so many colors and pictures on the pages, my little ones enjoyed coming up with their own imagination what was happening, thoughts, etc. My upper elementary son (4th going into 5th), who is very much into graphic novels, read this book in a matter of minutes so it was very much an easy read and not a challenge at all.

I would say overall, expect kids in the ages of 6 (new readers) -8/9 to truly enjoy the book. The storyline was fun and light hearted. Put an emphasis on what looks fun for some, may not be the same for others, and that's okay! I bet some could actually relate to the Grinch's feelings on the various situations/encounters he had as he was exploring what a "vacation" looks like. Not that it is completely necessary, but I would say if your kids have no idea of the story of The Grinch, you may want to have them watch the original movie to allow them to understand the Grinch a little bit more. :)

It would be wise for the author to possibly fix that transition to be a little bit clearer and easier to follow especially if kids are reading without adult help. For example, how the author transitioned from each "vacation spot" was a bit confusing for my son as he is not familiar in the world of "reviews" etc, but as an adult reading it, I found it rather funny.

Thanks to Random House Graphic and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 209 of 300 ~ 2024

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I've always liked the Grinch... that grumpy old fella whose heart grew three sizes.

Was nice to see him used in other stories..

Even better knowing all in all, he is a big old softy.

Loved that the illustrations remained true to the original, too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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[Ande Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this super cute graphic novel about The Grinch and Max taking a vacation. It had enough humor to keep me invested as an adult & was an interesting take on The Grinch's life post-original book. I really appreciated the reviews that The Grinch and other vacation attendees gave each vacation spot, it was super fun to imagine The Grinch on Yelp. 🤣 Overall, this would be a great intro to graphic novels for the kiddos!

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Kaeti Vandorn for the chance to read and review! My opinions are my own.

[Brittany Glance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this graphic novel! I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy when it hits the stores on September 24th!

The Grinch has always been a favorite of mine since childhood so seeing the Grinch and Max go on different vacations was definitely a vibe! I would say anyone in elementary school maybe up to 3rd would love reading this! The graphics were done very well and in the end they even have a step by step on how to draw Max!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!

[Tasha Mutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read all 98 pages in one sitting!

We are HUGE Grinch fans and this was something different than the norm for Dr. Seuss. It was fun had a good storyline and made my littles giggle. The illustrations were very bright and attention grabbing helping fill in the blanks of the scene. I will be recommending this and purchasing when released.

Thank you NetGalley, Kaeti Vandorn, and Random House Children's for allowing my family to review.

[Chulandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the idea of the grinch in a graphic novel design. I also like how authors have been showing the grinch’s nice side more rather than the mean angry side that we all grew up with so I find books like these are very refreshing and remind us that even the grinch has a nice side. I also can’t wait to read the rest of the dr. Seuss character stories that they are planning to put into graphic novel design.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grinch shows up in this new graphic novel short chapter book format. In this story, the Grinch tries to find out why all the Whos are excited about going on vacation. He starts by exploring the beach, then the amusement park and finally a ski resort. He struggles to find joy in those settings but does learn that maybe staying home can be just as nice.

[Mama Bearian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Seuss-loving kiddos loved this. I thought it was done well. Each chapter takes the Grinch to a different location. In this modern take, the Grinch owns a cell phone and takes pictures and posts reviews after his trips - of course they are Grinchy. The illustrations were bright and colorful and while not like the original, they worked well and we liked them!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute and quick graphic novel! I love everything Dr Seuss and the grinch and whoville. I adore the artwork and the cute characters and the sweet story here. Perfect for kids and any adults like me who love the grinch and his adorable sidekick Max the doggy

[Sophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute spin on a classic Dr. Seuss characters, the Grinch and Max. In the story, it's summer and everyone is going to different places. They go to the same places, and he learns what it really means to go on vacation. Super cute and fun way to teach your kids about vacations.

[David Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accurate summary of every vacation ever.

Pros:
Artwork and expressive characters.
Little dialogue, letting the art tell the story.

Cons:
When I think Dr Seuss I think rhyming, which these graphic novels don't have.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Advice: make an original story with original characters and original art. This seems like a blatant commercial attempt to jump on the GN bandwagon with the added appeal of familiar and beloved Dr. Seuss characters.
Trying to imitate Seuss is futile. The result is entirely unsatisfactory.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Organised into three chapters, one for each vacation spot, The Grinch takes a holiday could be an early introduction to chapter books for young readers. But most of all it is a fun graphic novel about a familiar character.

[Engel Dreizehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC COPY...The young kiddies (and Seuss fans) will like this as the narrative structure is framed to their reading style like the Dr. Suess books and it's funny and lighthearted like a Dr. Seuss book too.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

The Grinch has heard about this thing called vacation and has decided to give it a try. This is the latest in a new series of graphic novel Dr. Seuss books, not based on the classics but taking classic characters on new adventures. I loved the art in this one and the message at the end. In general, this book and the whole series is a great way to get reluctant readers into reading, especially those who love Dr. Seuss but aren’t yet ready for the more complex verbiage of the classics.

[Evan Whitlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE! So cute and the story is fun.

[Skye Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorable😍
Loved it!

[Jennica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little comic about the Grinch and Max. It was a quick read with cute art!

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute, and I like the round shapes and fluffy art style. The ending got a chuckle out of me.

[Julia Pika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute art-style and cute story. This will be good for beginner readers getting out of picture books and into comics.

[Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I like this book because it talks about if you've been in the same place to take a vacation and you might meet new people on the way⛷️." - Conley, age 9

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I didn’t enjoy the illustrations, and the story should have rhymed!

[kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Underwhelming and not funny