Following the success of last year's The Lorax, Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment are making plans to adapt another classic Dr. Seuss tale. The Hollywood Reporter brings word that an animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is in the works with newcomer Peter Candeland directing.

First published in 1957, the Dr. Seuss tale follows the adventures of a curmudgeonly Grinch who, despising Christmas, decides to sneak into a nearby city, Whoville, and steal every decoration in an effort to spoil the holiday. What he finds instead is the true meaning of the holiday.

The book was adapted as an animated special in 1966 and as a live-action feature film in 2000. The latter featured Jim Carrey in the lead.

Illumination CEO Chris Melendandri is attached to produce the new version with Seuss' widow, Audrey Geisel, executive producing.