Where the Wild Things Are Review:

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sendak, Maurice. 1963.WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. Ill. by Maurice Sendak. United States: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN: 0064431789

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Where the Wild Things Are, a beloved classic and one of the quintessential picture books of the last century, Maurice Sendak doubles as author and illustrator to deliver one of the all-time great stories of childlike imaginatoion. Max, the story’s rebellious protagonist, has just been sentenced to his room for being too much of a wild thing. Suddenly, Max’s imagination literally comes pouring into his bedroom like an ocean, transporting him to the mythical land of the Wild Things, where everyone can do whatever they want at all times. While there, he learns that there can certainly be too much of a good thing, learning that, sometimes, the best times are those spent with the ones you love.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sendak manages to capture the sheer exuberance of the childhood imagination in both his words and his illustrations. Max’s journey is a thrill to the senses, transporting the reader right along with Max into the world of the Wild Things, which is every bit as detailed and surreal as any child’s dreamscape. There, the magic and atmosphere of this beloved classic have been delighting children for nearly half a century, and it is largely in part to Sendak’s fully realized vision.

The now-famous images of the Wild Things and their incredibly world have inspired generations of children to let their imaginations run wild, too. The surreal, sometimes fun and sometimes scary world of the Wild Things is visually enthralling, and it would be no wonder had the book has attained its classic status through visuals alone. However, the understated, exuberant, and ultimately heart-felt plot, is the unsung star of the story. Written in just the type of language that children know and understand, Wild Things communicates directly and poignantly to its audience, urging them to have fun, but also appreciate the gift that is family.

Where the Wild Things Are has become timeless for a reason. It is a book remembered and beloved for beautiful imagery, memorable characters, and a plot that relates directly to children without speaking below or above them.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Winner—Caldecott Medal (1964)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "Each word has been carefully chosen and the simplicity of the language is quite deceptive."
GOODREADS review: "Where the Wild Things Are is one of those truly rare books that can be enjoyed equally by a child and a grown-up."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Useful in units designed to stimulate imagination
*This book is excellent for theater and performing arts exercises, and can be done as a short play or pantomime exercise
*Other books about escaping into imagination:
Watterson, Bill. THE COMPLETE CALVIN & HOBBES. ISBN 0740748475
Bunting, Eve. PIRATE BOY. ISBN 9780823423217