“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak has become a classic, soon to be pop culture icon with the
upcoming release of the major motion picture version of the story.
First published in 1963, the book won the Caldecott Medal as the “Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year” a
year later. Over the past few years, Urban Outfitters brought the book back into our grown up hearts by selling
home decor and clothing items displaying its front page image.
The memorable illustrations have been recognized as the reason for the books popularity and cult like following.
Though the plot of the book and images are based on fantasy, the real consequences of the main character Max
make the reality in the story relatable to children and parents alike.
In the story, Max gets up to some mischeif in his wolf suit which restults in a scolding from his mother where she
calls him a “Wild Thing” andsends him to bed without any supper.
Rather than going to sleep as instructed, Max’s imagination transforms his bedroom into an extraordinary space, with
a forest, an ocean, a little boat and a land full of “wild things.”
The images in the book make the “wild things” look quite fierce, but Max is able to tame them and is soon made into
their king.
Eventually, Max decides he misses his mother and sails back to his own room where he finds his supper
waiting for him. If you have not yet introduced this book to your child, now is the time to do it
(as long as they are 3+). You can easily find Where The Wild Things Are at your local bookstore.
You can also re-visit your own memories of the book from November 27 – January 3 in London, where the
Illustration Cupboard will be showcasing the wonderful artwork found in “Where the Wild Things Are” in
a free exhibition for illustration fans.
