Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are

Author: Maurice Sendak

Celebrated author Sendak writes in free-flowing, dream-like text, which seems to mirror the organic flow of the child's mind. Children of all ages will be enraptured by this wonderful fantasy story.

This award winning book is a whimsical fantasy about a young boy whose imagination transports him far away from problems at home to a land where almost anything can happen.

The main character, Max is looking for a little fun, so he dresses up in a comical wolf suit. Unfortunately, his mother is tired of his antics, and sends him to bed without any supper. But unexpectedly a forest grows in his bedroom and Max is taken away to a land of Wild Things. Fortunately, the Wild Things do not eat Max; instead they make him their king. And lucky Max is allowed to continue his romp. 

I remember reading this book as a young child. I remember this from my childhood - and I remember thinking that it was quite scary to me at the time! I finally got around to reading it to our girls in January 2012 - I figure they are old enough to handle it without being too scared. It's an interesting story, with very creative illustrations. But I still think the "Wild Things" are a little scary for little ones!

Sample Questions:

• How did the main character Max get to the land of Wild Things"
• Why was Max sent to his room?
• Why does Max want to come home?

Activities and Discussions:

• Draw three or four of the monsters in the book. Describe the different characteristics of each monster and what they may be made up of.
• Draw a map of the land of Wild Things
• Choose one of the monsters and tell the story from their perspective

About the Author

Maurice Sendak

Other Books Written by Maurice Sendak

A Hole is to Dig

Alligators All Around: An Alphabet 

In the Night Kitchen

Reference

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