Whos

Whos are a fictional species created by Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) for his children's books, most notably How the Grinch Stole Christmas. They inhabit Whoville, a colorful, bustling town pictured in the story as situated in a valley near Mount Crumpit where the Grinch resides. The Whos are portrayed as friendly, sociable beings who come in various sizes, with round heads and large eyes, often wearing festive or simple clothing.

Whoville emphasizes community, family, and music; the Whos are depicted as loving Christmas and communal celebration. In the core story, the Grinch, who despises Christmas, attempts to suppress the Whos' celebration by stealing their gifts and decorations; however, the Whos demonstrate that the holiday's meaning endures even without material objects, singing in unison despite loss.

Whos have appeared in multiple media adaptations, including the 1966 animated television special, the 2000 live-action film, and the 2018 film, with visual designs that range from faithful to stylized interpretations. Despite differences, the central traits—spirited community, optimism, and musical culture—remain consistent.

In reference and scholarship, Whos are discussed as an example of Seuss's playful world-building and as part of Christmas folklore in popular culture. The term "Whos" denotes the plural of "Who" in this fictional context and has become a recognizable element of Dr. Seuss's universe.