I've always found it a bit of a challenge to review a book that's captured my heart the way Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are has. I'm absolutely in love with everything about it – from wonderful story to the vivid illustrations that bring the story to life. I’m not even sure how many times I’ve read the thing. I had a hardcover copy when I was kid that was sadly lost to time and multiple changes of address. I have a second paperback copy that I read to my children—and I still have it proudly displayed on my bookshelf. I’m not at all ashamed to admit that I take it out once in a while and give a read, not just for nostalgia’s sake, but because I actually enjoy it.

There’s an argument to be made that the MC is simply a bit of an ass who deserved to be sent to his room. But I think Sendak intended more than the surface-level reading of the book. It acknowledges that children’s feelings are valid and should be attended to. While he may not find this immediately in the real world, in the Wild, he is not dismissed or ignored; instead, his emotions are seen as a part of who he is. Those feelings and actions might not be entirely appropriate for a given situation, but they're part of the journey of childhood.

The second important point of note is after the adventure in the Wild, when both sides of the disagreement in the real world have had a chance to calm down, he is met with the comfort and security he seeks. With this small gesture, children can learn that disagreements don’t have to be permanent, and there is value in learning what is appropriate in the Wild, and what is appropriate in the real world without having to abandon who you are.

Please, please, please get at least the paperback version. This is a book meant to be held, not viewed on a screen.

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Created Apr 05, 2024 at 2:38pm • Submit your own review...