Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Sendak, M. (1963). Where the wild things are. [New York]: Harper & Row. ISBN 0060254920

Plot Summary:  

    This is the story of imaginative, wolf-suit-wearing Max who is sent to bed without dinner after an evening of mischief.  Max’s imagination sends him to a place where he is able to tame and become the king of the wild things. He seems to be enjoying himself, until he sends the wild things to be without dinner, and smells good things to eat.  

Analysis:

    Sendak has wonderfully written & illustrated this picture book.  Imaginative and angry Max is a relatable character for elementary aged children.  Young Max’s perception of time as he sails is an excellent example of a child’s perception of time and how 5 minutes may seem like weeks and almost over a year.  The illustrations really show the reader the mischief that Max and the wild things get into, and still allow the reader to add a bit more with their own imagination. At the end, Max makes a realization that being king isn’t as great as he once thought and heads back home.  He arrives in his room to find that his meal, still warm, is waiting for him. This is a fun read aloud for the reader, as they get to be loud and rowdy as they read and (hopefully) act out the story line.

Review Excerpts:

Caldecott Medal 1964

Review on Goodreads “A must for every child's bookshelf.

Review on Booklist “This simply written but subtle book became a classic not only because it legitimized children’s angry feelings—and their ability to use their imaginations to deal with those feelings—but also because it showed punishment and love coexisting in a parent-child relationship.”

Connections:

*This would be a good book to use as an art/creative connection when teaching shading and different methods to show detail.

*Great book for parents to show that they have unconditional love for their children even though they may have been punished.