The Bottom Line
Maurice Sendak was awarded a Caldecott Medal in 1964 for Where the Wild Things Are, and the book has become a classic. Both the text and the illustrations brilliantly capture an angry little boy's feelings and fantasies upon being sent to bed without any supper.
Pros
- Maurice Sendak's illustrations beautifully reflect an angry little boy's fantasy.
- Children will readily identify with Max's feelings.
- The "wild things" are among the most appealing monsters in children's literature.
Cons
- Be sure you like the book before you buy it because your child will want to hear it again and again.
Description
- This is a hardbound picture book.
- It was first published in 1963 by HarperCollins Publishers.
- Maurice Sendak both wrote and illustrated the book.
Guide Review - Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Few children's books remain popular for 40 years. Those that have are considered classics. In 1964, Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are won the Caldecott Medal as the "Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year." It has been popular ever since. Why? The theme, conflict, and characters are all ones with which most three to six year olds can readily identify. The illustrations are a visual delight. The story is particularly appealing because Max is in conflict with both his mother and his own anger. When the book was written, the theme of dealing with a child's dark emotions was almost unheard of, particularly in picture book format.
