Where the Wild Things Are

Sendak, M.  (1963).  Where the wilds things are.  New York, NY:  Harper Collins Children's Books.

"And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!"

I still remember these words from when I was a child.  Many, many years later, they still bring a smile to my face.  I chose this book to see if it still resonated with me as it did so many years ago.  It did.

From the first pages where there are blank pages with minimal words, you are already prepared for Max and his rambunctious nature.  Using words like "mischief" readies you for Max to get into trouble.  As he frowns and scowls his way through the first pages, the stark colors and limited text the tone for Max to be isolated.  As he is banished to his room without dinner, most of us can sympathize with Max's punishment, as either a recipient or a deliverer of the sentence.  Almost immediately, Max's imagination begins to paint the setting for the remainder of the book. It becomes integral to the story.  Without the knowledge of Max being sent to his room and then the 'forest' that develops there, the story would not be as effective.  Knowing that Max is creating his world, complete with monsters, is central to the plot of this story.  Sendak uses imagery of forests, oceans and creatures to show the depth of imagination of a child in his room.  He even goes as far to give Max a sense of smell when his food has arrived near the end of the story.

The use of color in the "wild" areas of Max's kingdom, give the monsters depth and humor, while giving the landscape detail and texture.  The multicolored monsters and the varying types of skin, scales and feathers offer a wild look without being too scary.

The book is recommended for children ages 4 and up.  I think this is completely appropriate as it is not all that scary and Max "tames" the wild things' behaviors.  The beauty of this book, for young and old, is that it reminds us of several things.  One, there are consequences for our behavior.  If we act outside the rules, we can be banished.  Two, in our imaginations, we can create any world we want.  Max became king of his domain and he could make all of the rules.  However, at the end, we remember there is no place like home...and of course a good, home cooked meal.  This is a book to be enjoyed by all generations!