How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: questions to ask and activities to try
The Grinch hates Christmas, so he steals every present from Whoville. But on Christmas morning the Whos sing anyway, and the Grinch's heart starts to grow. The Dr. Seuss classic.
What age is How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for?
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is best for ages 4–8.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Dr. Seuss)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Grumpiness, kindness and what really matters
Only 50pHow the Grinch Stole Christmas! activity sheet3 printable pages: questions to talk about, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the grown-up. Instant PDF.
Just want the questions? Get the free question card ↓
Enjoy the rhymes and the Grinch’s sneaky plan. Then ask why the Whos still sang, and what your child loves about Christmas that isn’t a present.
Is this book right for your child?
- Age
- 4–8 (Reception to Year 3)
- What they'll enjoy
- The Grinch hates Christmas, so he steals every present from Whoville. But on Christmas morning the Whos sing anyway, and the Grinch's heart starts to grow. The Dr. Seuss classic.
- Helps with
- Grumpiness, kindness and what really matters
- Buy or borrow?
- Borrow it from the library first if you can. If your child asks for it again and again, it’s one worth owning, and the questions and activities on this page work best with the book open next to you.
What it helps with
- Grumpy feelings
- Kindness changes people
- What matters more than presents
- Rhyme and rhythm
Comprehension and discussion questions for How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why did the Grinch hate Christmas?”
- “What did he take from Whoville?”
- “What did the Whos do on Christmas morning?”
- “Why did the Grinch’s heart grow?”
- “What do you love about Christmas that isn’t a present?”
- “Have you ever felt grumpy like the Grinch? What helped?”
For the full list of questions and more, download the PDF below.
Print these questions: free question card for How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
All 6 questions for How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on one printable page, each marked with the reading skill it practises. Enter your email and download it straight away.
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5-minute activities to try together
Gifts that aren’t things
Make a list of presents that cost nothing: a hug, a song, helping someone, a drawing.
Grow your heart
Draw a small heart. Each time your child does something kind this week, draw a bigger heart around it.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! activity sheet: printable worksheet and questions
All the questions and activities above on a ready-to-print activity sheet: questions tagged by reading skill with space to answer, a drawing and writing page with a self-check, and notes for the adult with curriculum links and a 20-minute session plan. Pay by card, PayPal or Payhip and download straight away.
- Page 1, talk about it: questions about the story, each tagged with the reading skill it practises, with space to answer or tick
- Page 2, my favourite part: a drawing box, a sentence starter and a “how did I do?” self-check
- Page 3, notes for the adult: curriculum links, a 20-minute session plan, extension activities, and support and challenge ideas
- Read it togetherEnjoy the story first.
- Ask 2 or 3 questionsFrom the list above, while everyone is calm.
- Print the activity sheetAn activity sheet with questions, a drawing page and notes for you.
Christmas bundleChristmas activity pack + 5 activity sheets, this one includedThe 5 books:How the Grinch Stole Christmas!Stick ManThe Jolly Christmas PostmanOne Christmas EveSquirrel's Snowman£6.99🛒 Shop · £1.25
3 sheets for £1.25How the Grinch Stole Christmas! + The Colour Monster + The Paper DollsThe 3 books:How the Grinch Stole Christmas!The Colour MonsterThe Paper Dolls£1.25 Pick your own books: build a bundle with this one, up to 15% off →
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Use it as a lesson plan
Children can listen to How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, answer questions about it and give a reason for their ideas, and talk about grumpy feelings.
A 20-minute session for ages 4–8 (Reception to Year 3), for a class, a small group or one child at home.
- Warm up (2 minutes). Show the cover and read the title. Ask: “What do you think this story will be about?”
- Read aloud (6 minutes). Read it all the way through. Tip: Enjoy the rhymes and the Grinch’s sneaky plan. Then ask why the Whos still sang, and what your child loves about Christmas that isn’t a present.
- Talk about it (4 minutes). Pick two or three of the comprehension and discussion questions above. “Why did the Grinch hate Christmas?” works well to start.
- Activity (6 minutes). Do Gifts that aren’t things. Make a list of presents that cost nothing: a hug, a song, helping someone, a drawing. Children who finish early can try Grow your heart.
- Wrap up (2 minutes). Ask each child for one thing they will remember from the story, and why.
Want to go further? The How the Grinch Stole Christmas! activity sheet has these questions with space to answer, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the adult.
If your child liked this, try
The Cat in the Hat (Dr. Seuss)
- Best for
- Making choices when no grown-up is watching, and owning up afterwards
- Age
- 3-7
Green Eggs and Ham (Dr. Seuss)
- Best for
- Trying new foods and new things before deciding you don't like them
- Age
- 3-7
Grumpy Monkey (Suzanne Lang and Max Lang)
- Best for
- Grumpy moods that don't have a clear reason
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.
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