The Grinch is a popular cartoon character created by Dr. Seuss. He first appeared in the 1957 children's book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. The Grinch also has become a cultural icon, mainly due to the massive popularity of his TV specials. Most notably, he is considered a Christmas standard, and parodied/featured outside the Dr. Seuss brand frequently around the holiday season. Also, he is referenced by the media often in instances where a holiday display is ruined by vandals, or holiday burglaries are committed. Outside Christmas, the term "Grinch" is cognitive with "grouch".