Sculpting WHO's and such for our Local Gingerbread Contest

This my first year doing a gingerbread structure for our local charity auction. I'm going to need to some little who's in whoville for a "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" themed piece. I was wondering if anyone could suggest the best item to use for sculpting these little people, also who vehicles and so on... I was thinking modeling chocolate, I've never used except to cover rice crispy treats. Other options, gumpaste, fondant and so on???? I look forward to hearing from all  you brilliant bakers :-) Thanks!!