Dr Seuss’s ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas!’ Tale Will Go On With A Sequel

Say what—or rather, Who? That’s right, the Dr Seuss classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, is getting a book sequel… over 30 years after the author’s death.

The holidays will be a bit different this year because everyone’s favorite grumpy, green party-pooper will return with a newfound appreciation for Christmas, Dr Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books have both announced. How the Grinch Lost Christmas!—the first of the narrative that doesn’t include Dr Seuss’ personal influence—is written by Alastair Helm and illustrated by artist Aristides Ruiz, two names that have had deep involvement in the world of Seuss.

The sequel kicks off a year after the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes larger. Now a staunch advocate of the festive spirit, he’s eager to make it known to the folk of Who-ville by trying to win the town’s Christmas Crown with “the largest, most spectacular Christmas tree” it has ever seen.

Alas, the outcome isn’t how he had wished, causing the Grinch’s heart to turn ice-cold and making him turn on the holiday again. Here to save the day, and season, is “one small, special Who”—spoiler alert: it’s Cindy-Lou—who “reminds him that Christmas is NOT about winning,” reads the description.

Helm has penned numerous books in The Cat in the Hat series, and Ruiz has created drawings for the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library for 20 years, so the publisher has full confidence that they will do the classic justice. And they certainly have a big hat to fill, as the original—first released in 1957—has sold nearly 10 million copies in North America alone.

Susan Brandt, President and CEO of Dr Seuss Enterprises, says in a news release (via Entertainment Weekly) that the sequel was “carefully considered” and that the company is proud of what the author and illustrator have dreamed up.

Random House Children’s Books calls the book “a must-have addition to the libraries of Grinch fans of all ages.”

Touting the continuation as another “heartwarming piece of Seussian literature,” Brandt promises that the hearts of families all over will expand “three more sizes” during the holidays in the decades to come.

The title will arrive in bookstores on September 5. You can steal first dibs by pre-ordering the book now.

[via USA Today and Entertainment Weekly, images via Penguin Random House]