Entitled: "Dr. Seuss (Ted Geisel) at work on a drawing of a grinch, the hero of his forthcoming book, 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', 1957." How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a children's story by Dr. Seuss written in rhymed verse with illustrations by the author published as a book by Random House in 1957. The book criticizes the commercialization of Christmas. It was voted one of the "Top 100 Picture Books" of all time in a 2012 poll by School Library Journal. Theodor Seuss Geisel (March 2, 1904 - September 24, 1991) was an American writer, poet, and cartoonist. He was most widely known for his children's books, which he wrote and illustrated under the pseudonym Dr. Seuss. He published 46 children's books, often characterized by imaginative characters, rhyme, and frequent use of anapestic meter. His works have spawned numerous adaptations, including 11 television specials, four feature films, a Broadway musical and four television series. He won a special Pulitzer Prize in 1984 citing his "contribution over nearly half a century to the education and enjoyment of America's children and their parents. He died of oral cancer in 1991 at the age of 87. His birthday, March 2, has been adopted as the annual date for National Read Across America Day, an initiative on reading created by the National Education Association. Photographed by Al Ravenna for New York World Telegram & Sun, 1957.