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Children's Book: Where The Wild Things Are

Updated on May 8, 2012

My Review of Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Where The Wild Things Are was written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak in 1963, and reissued in 1991. It's the story of Max, a mischievous, little boy who wonders off on an imaginative adventure. The boy's adventures began after his mother sends him to his room for his misbehavior. He enjoys the ferocious monsters, who crown him the king of monsters. When the boy bores, he realizes he misses the comforts and love of home.

The illustrations are big, bold, adventurous, and endearing. The Wild Things are not overly ferocious looking, but still provide the wild feeling of adventure and the unknown.

There was controversy with this book (and others by Sendak). When it was first issued, the book received criticism from parents who did not think a mischievous boy should be the main character or role model.

My son loved this book when he was little. We still have the book, though he's now a teen. It's a classic with generations of kids loving the story. I remember reading it to my son when he was in first grade. It's a short book, with illustrations making the greatest impact of the story. My son enjoyed the adventure involved in the story. It told of a place where parents didn't exist, and a kid could be a king. Those elements resound strongly for children.

I did remind my son about the positive aspects and lessons, such as when Max missed home and his parents, and that his mom had left him dinner (though she threatened him to go without dinner earlier in the book). I added Max should've apologized for not listening to her earlier. Along with the lessons, I thought the sense of imagination and entertaining oneself were important to convey to kids.

Topics in this lens: lesson plans for Where The Wild Things Are (K-12 in multiple topics, like literature, math, science, art, and music); how to make your own Max costume, where to find adult costumes, unique collectibles, other books by Maurice Sendak, videos narrating one of his books and an interview with Sendak. Enjoy!!

Maurice Sendak

June 10, 1928 - May 8, 2012

Rest in Peace ~ and thank you for all you gave us.



Photo:Where The Wild Things Are, buy Fabric Posters at Allposters.com

Where The Wild Things Are Book

Where the Wild Things Are: A Caldecott Award Winner
Where the Wild Things Are: A Caldecott Award Winner
A classic children's tale that embraces the creativity and imagination of kids.
 

The best line ever:

Let the wild rumpus start!

Where The Wild Things Are Activities - Where The Wild Things Are Book: Educational Lessons

If you're a teacher or homeschool educator, you'll find lots of fun and educational lessons with these Where The Wild Things Are Activities.

President Obama Reads the Book, Where The Wild Things Are

Your Review of Where The Wild Things Are Book - Write a review, add a comment, or debate someone who disagrees with you.

Maurice Sendak's book has received a lot of controversy over the years. Here's your chance to share your view.

What did you think?

Maurice Sendak Gallery - don't miss it!

The Maurice Sendak Gallery was inaugurated in April 2003 in conjunction with the Rosenbach Museum & Library's grand re-opening celebration. The Gallery is dedicated to showcasing the works and personal collections of longtime trustee and supporter Maurice Sendak.

Wildly imaginative - the mind of a child that lives within us all.

Where The Wild Things Are Trailer

Where The Wild Things Are DVD

Make a rumpus whenever you desire with your own copy of Where The Wild Things Are film.

Where the Wild Things Are [Blu-ray]
Where the Wild Things Are [Blu-ray]
Family fun of a classic children's book.
 

Rate it, if you dare... - What's Your Opinon of the Book, Where the Wild Things Are?

Where The Wild Things Are Poster of Book
Where The Wild Things Are Poster of Book

On a scale of 1-7, what did you REALLY think?

See results

Where The Wild Things Are Costumes - Dress Up Like A Wild Thing

Do your kids want to dress up like Max or one of the Wild Things for Halloween? Kids (and some adult) costumes are popping up all over. Have fun, and let the wild rumpus start!

Where The Wild Things Are Costumes -- Make It Yourself

For the creative types, or those who know how to sew, here are some great sites on how to make your own Wild Thing.

A Homemade Max Costume

Start with grey sweatpants and a sweatshirt (with a hoodie to attach ears).

Where The Wild Things Are Shirts

These shirts displaying famous images of Where The Wild Things Are will soon be your absolute favorite. You can find one for everyone in your family - colors, sizes and styles offer options for all.

Where The Wild Things Are Pajamas

I love things that pull double-duty, and these pajamas could also be worn as a costume. Check out the adult wolf jammies and accessories to make you a true Wild Thing!

Award Winning Illustrator and Author

Maurice Sendak won many awards and honors for his work in children's literature. Some notable honors include:

Caldecott Medal for Where the Wild Things Are (1964)

Hans Christian Andersen International Medal (1970) for his body of children's book illustration

American Book Award recipient for Outside Over There (1982)

Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for his contributions to children's literature (1983)

Sendak was honored by the President of the United States with the National Medal of Arts (1996)

Maurice Sendak and Austrian author Christine Noestlinger shared the first Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature (2003)

Books by Maurice Sendak - Vote for your favorites, or add your own favorite stories by Maurice Sendak.

Have your read Sendak's books other than Where The Wild Things Are? Vote for your favorites!

Books About Author/Illustrator Maurice Sendak

Check out these titles for even more information, photos, and interpretations of the work of Maurice Sendak.

Maurice Sendak - In His Own Words

Illustrator and author Maurice Sendak pulls no punches on his ideas of illustration, childhood, and what makes a children's book.

Children's Lit Controversy

Maurice Sendak received criticism for his work because he delved into themes not usually associated with children's literature. Where The Wild Things Are was criticized for including a mischievous child and dark creatures. In the Night Kitchen has elements of sensuousness with the main character illustrated without clothing. What do you think the criteria should be?

Should Children's Literature Be Censored To Eliminate Darker Themes?

Collect Where The Wild Things Are Memorabilia

Kids will love to get these extra treats to go along with the book and movie. Enjoy seeing your favorite characters come to life in these collectibles.

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