Picture Book-Review

Where The Wild Things Are

By: Maurice Sendak

A. Bibliographic Data

Sendak, Maurice. 1963. Where the Wild Things Are. Ill. by Maurice Sendak.New York, NY:Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN: 63-21253

B. Plot Summary

Where The Wild Things Are is a imaginative story about a young boy named Max, who makes mischief, gets into trouble, and gets sent to bed without any supper. As Max is in his room he imagines about traveling to a place where the wilds things are. He travels by boat for a long journey, and then is made king of the wild things. After spending time with the wild things, Max misses home and travels back to find his supper waiting for him in is bedroom.

C. Critical Analysis

Where The Wild Things Are is a classic story that has become a loved favorite for years. Children of all ages can relate to Max, wether that be by making mischief, getting into trouble, or using their imagination to travel to a far away place. Maurice Sendak's creation has become a well known classic, and the pictures are just a memorable as the story. Sendak uses lots of lines and texture throughout his drawings. The images are some that almost every child can identify. Where The Wild Things Are is such a beloved story because everyone can relate to some aspect of the story. The book highly encourages children to use their imagination. I am ashamed to say that I have never read all of Where The Wild Things Are until this assignment, and after reading this classic I now understand why this book has made such an impact on children's literature.

D. Awards Won

Caldecott Medal-1964

Notable Children's Books of 1940-1970 (ALA)

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Illustration-1981

Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book) 1963, 1982

Best Illustrated Children's Books of 1963, 1982-New York TImes

Reading Rainbow Selection

1964-Lewis Carroll Shelf Award

Children's Books of 1981-Library of Congress

Horn Book Review- "Turning to the book now, the most striking thing about it remains its undatable, fresh-as-paint immediacy."-Horn Book Review

E. Connections

* Art lesson over patterns and texture

* Divide students into groups and have then think about what a wild rumpus means, and then allow them to create their own wild rumpus,

* Discuss plot line with the students and have students identify the story elements such as problem, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.