Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak (1963), 40 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Winning the Caldecott Medal in 1964, Where the Wild Things Are is a story that has been charming children and their parents for decades. Transcending generations, this best selling children’s book (and motion picture) is a nostalgic favorite of many! At root this story is a timeless classic, Sendak dually celebrates adventure and the comforts of home. Sendak's artwork is filled with personality and originality as are the characters and plot. Main character, Max's mischievous nature is both lovable and unruly. In his wildness he gets sent to bed without supper, but later discovers his bedroom has sprouted into a forest within a dreamlike world inhabited by wild monsters. When Max ventures out, he soon becomes king of the wild things. As they explore, play, and dance the night away – Max longs to be back somewhere familiar wanting “to be where someone loved him best of all.” A master storyteller, Sendak’s tale is exquisite; the illustrations are expressive and imaginative evoking the adventurous and fun spirit of childhood. Share this book with your own “wild things” as they get tucked in a night!

In 2009, this award-winning book was adapted to the silver screen. Serving as a producer Sendak’s characters were bought to life in this fantasy-drama film. Looking for even more ways to enjoy this story? Listen to the Maurice Sendak‘s own narration as he reads Where the Wild Things Are on Barnes & Noble’s online storyline.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Perfect Little Monster by Judy Hindley, Jeremy Draws a Monster by Peter McCarty or Jumangi by Chris Van Allsburg

Other books by this author: In the Night Kitchen (Caldecott Honor), Seven Little Monsters, and Alligators All Around