Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are tells of a boy, Max,  who runs away to the place where the wild things are after being sent to bed without his supper. There, he commandeers the wild things and enjoys a wild rumpus. But he soon tires of the place and longs for home where someone loved him best of all.

The book won the Caldecott Medal in 1964 and was adapted into a film directed by Spike Jonze in 2009. In the early days of its release, it was deemed unsuitable for children due to its fearsome characters. The author, Maurice Sendak, once related in an interview that a librarian had told him "This is not a book you leave in the presence of sensitive children to find in the twilight." I would beg to differ; I believe children are tougher than the librarian gives them credit for. In spite of the opinions of various adults, the book became, and remains, a favourite with children.

The language used is relatively simple to understand. There is also an economy of words which ensures that the illustrations remain the main focus of the book. The illustrations are also used to elaborate on what the text describes. I especially loved the illustrations depicting the wild rumpus that Max had with the wild things. The heavy reliance on illustrations to tell the story makes it easier for younger children (from 3 years of age) to understand and enjoy the book.

My favourite part of the book, though, is its ending and the lesson we can all learn from the book: though we may long for the freedom to do whatever we want, this freedom cannot replace our family and friends.

I enjoyed this book as a child and still enjoy it as an adult. I highly recommend this children's classic to all! I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Author and illustrator: Maurice Sendak

First published in 1963 by Harper & Row

Age range: 3 to 8 years old (and older!)

NA's rating: 5/5