This is one of the only books I remember from my childhood. Instead of your typical cutesy little kid story, you have something with real imagination and fun. It's an original story line with very unique illustrations. I know many adult artists who still love this book for its artwork.

I used to spend hours studying these illustrations as a child and now I'm a successful artist and I still love them. The point of these illustrations, or rather, any illustration is to supplement imagination, not create it. When I was a child these gorgeous artistic illustrations were far more interesting to me than the typical disney style. Even as a kid I could appreciate this book for its originality. Then again, I had imagination of my own, and was able to bring these creatures to life. Kids today have video games to do that for them.

I think people who rate this book as poor just can't see the value in it as art. This is a complete artistic vision executed as both literature and visual art. I can't see how anyone couldn't like this book unless they have absolutely no imagination, or if they have no appreciation for art whatsoever.

I purchased this book for my best friend who is having a boy come this December. I did so because I remember so many good memories when my parents read it to me as a child that I wanted him to share those kinds of memories with his son. Despite other reviews of saying this book is "pointless" or "dark and scary", we the reader don't always need to put on our critical, psychoanalytical, or marxist lens and analyse the books we read our children. Doesn't that take the magic out of books like this? Moreover, this book is about fun monsters and the imaginary lands that children go to when they are asleep or playing in our back yards. This book is a must for any child who is learning to or not quite yet ready to read. Furthermore, the images in this book are stunning and should captivate young audiences.

The illustrations in this book really caught my eye. My favorite one was when all the wild things were howling at the moon. I enjoyed how the text stretches over a few pages and keeps the reader interested.

Where the Wild Things Are
I purchase this book for my two year old grandson, he loves to hear his poppa read it to him. It is the only way I have found to get a two year old grandchild to set still for about 15 minutes.

Love the book remember it from when I was a child.

I just read this the other day to my first grade class, and it turns out I had forgotten just how gorgeous this book is!

It's the story of a boy named Max who imagines himself to another world: an island dominated by monsters, aka "wild things". No, it's not freakishly complex, but it is a kids' story.

It tells of one of the most important things we have: the power of imagination.

Briefly, the story revolves around Max, a young boy who behaves naughtily and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, he is transported to another world "where the wild things are" where he is made king of the wild things. After having his fill of leading the wild things, he returns to his room to find his supper left on his dresser.

This story strikes an interesting balance between the real world of Max and his family and Max's dream world "where the wild things are". Whereas in the former world his actions are seen as naughty and are decried, the dream world provides Max not only with the ability to act in the way he wants but also to have those actions sanctioned and praised by those around him.

Beyond that, even, is the amount of control Max can exert in each world. The real world limits him and he is almost totally at the mercy of his parents who send him to his room. In the wild world, even before he becomes king of the wild things, he is able to control the other wild things and his power is unlimited. An interesting question to ask is whether Max would be as naughty as he is if he believed himself to have more power in the real world.

The conclusion of the story seems to come mostly as the author stumbles over himself to wrap up the story. It is unclear why the angry parents would reward Max's behavior or why they would negate the punishment meted out at the beginning of the story. I found the warm supper waiting for Max upon his return from the wild world to be somewhat out of place. I understand, perhaps, that even bad kids are loved and that may be the moral being taught here, but it is strange that Max just receives the food out of the blue with no remorse on his part.

The book is a fun story and holds the attention of my 3 year old. He loves when I improvise the roaring and gnashing. Throwing in a little Troggs "Wild Thing" during the rumpus makes story time a little bit more fun too. I don't think the strange lesson at the end ruins the story, and I'm not sure that the target audience of this book would be able to figure it out in the first place. 4 stars for a fun book that holds kids' attentions.

Monsters, monsters....children this age are obsessed with them. Every night this is the top book requested to be read by my children. Another delightful story about a caterpillar named Cyrano is also a big request... Life's Little Lessons: An Inch-By-Inch Tale of Success. The misadventures of a caterpillar going to school make the kids laugh and giggle.The bonus parent reading guide is an incredible plus. All children's literature should come with one.

Your 5 yr old will stay on your lap for the whole book and ask again tomorrow.

This was my son's favorite book when they were toddlers and I loved reading it to hem. I
just purchased again for my 5 month old grandson. This book helps children tap into their personal power within through the use of likeable imaginative monsters. Ce Ce

Sometimes we just can't seem to settle down before bed. During those times, I reach for "Where the Wild Things Are" so that my two sons can roar their terrible roars and gnash their terrible teeth and roll their terrible eyes and show their terrible claws.

The book is short -- perfect for bedtime reading -- and very interactive. The story follows Max and his wild imagination to a magical land. I use the book to reinforce in my sons that they need to settle down in the evening and not get into the type of mischief Max falls into.

This is a great addition to your bedtime reading collection.

I loved this book as a child, so I bought it for my 4 year old. I had forgotten how great it is. It's truely a spectacular little adventure. Not too long to even read two or three times...you know how four year olds are...

This one is a classic, of course. Chances are that you remember it from your own childhood, what more is there to say?

My nieces love this one. It's not too wordy, so it's great for very little children and for those nights where you really want everybody in bed five minutes ago! But the words that are there are perfectly selected, nothing is missing. Lyrical is the word I'd use.

And the story about Max having his time-out and repenting (or, for that matter, his mother changing her mind about her over-reaction) is one that most children can relate to, I think.

If you want something really wild read the Adventures With Boys series! It's as good as this book!

The last line in this great book is "...and it was still hot", and it is!
I first read this book in a Children's Literature class in college (which was taught by our county's wonderful head Children's Librarian); I used it for my picture book presentation. I later over the next few years told it at different events as an "oral tradition" style presentation, which goes to show you how well it is written. The other thing is the wonderful illustrations.

For those of you that aren't familiar with children's lit, the gold medal on the front of the book is the Caldecott Award for Excellence in Picture books. You can hardly go wrong picking up any book so designated and give to a child.

I read this to all my kids and now grandkids and they have all loved it,
And my sweetheart has taught Kindergarten this whole decade and read this to every class, and they all continue to love it every time!

This was my one of my favorite kid books that I loved! However, just seeing the cover again reminds me how it scared me a little. It didn't stop me from enjoying the story. I still have the tattered version in my store room.

I have purchased it as gifts too and the kids love it!

Merna

Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!

His mother called him "WILD THING!" Max is sent to bed without eating anything. He sails off into a far away land where is becomes the King of the wild things.

As a child, I was afraid of what could be under the bed or in the closet. My mom used to read this book to me and told me that there are no monsters under the bed or in the closet and that I have to sail to far away land to see one. As a dad, I read this book in the same message.

Some criticize this book as being too scary for little one I think it's a good way of showing that there is nothing to fear. Besides these monsters are almost adorable compared to what kids see at a shopping center

The illustrations have become such a classic that almost every kids monster characters can be trace back to this. From the opening of the page kids will feel like there is something familiar about it and be drawn in.

The story ends with Max returning to find his supper waiting for him. A nice touch to show mothers love.

My kids at preschool love this story and they listen to it almost everyday before taking a nap. I bought the DVD as well and they love it also.

My 2 year old absolutely loves reading this book. Some of the illustrations are dark and could be seen as scary to some, but my kid adores this book, and always runs to this one to pull it off the shelf!

With all the hype surrounding this book, I was excited to get this for my six year old daughter. She loves books, but neither she nor I could get the point of this. The uninspired writing goes nowhere. The plot(?) is strange and doesn't promote any appropriate values for children. Even the illustrations, while "classic", are only "classic" as they are easily recognizable; fact is, they're just not all that captivating.

My family was very disappointed in this book. If you must, take it out of a library, but I wouldn't waste my money.

One of the best kids books in my opinion. I got this and some 'monster slippers' as a gift for friends kids. Everyone should own a copy and read them (if not to their kids than to themselves!).

This book has been a 5 star publication since it's inception! I have never seen a child not love this book! It is definitely a winner!

It's about monsters, for crying out loud! Why on earth would you want to plant the idea of fear and worry with your children just before bedtime? I remember being terrified of this book when I was a child. I will not read it with my kids. I know they will be introduced to it somewhere along the line, and I hope they are not frightened by it. I just do not understand everyone who says they love this book.

According to the characteristics of picture storybooks, this is a high quality book. The text and illustrations equally convey with the storyline. The shape and size of the book is rectangular and does not have page numbers. It includes all of the literary elements. The book's strength is its illustrations. The book received a Caldecott Medal for its illustrations. The author does a nice job of telling the story through the illustrations. The illustrations get larger as Max's imagination grows and start to decrease in size as he returns home. The colors in the beginning of the book are duller than the end of the book. As Max's feelings and mood change, the pictures get brighter. The book's reading level is 3.4 and geared toward a lower grade interest level, however, can be enjoyed by older ages. One concern is that there are monsters in the story even though it is a children's book. Introducing this book to primary students may lead to questions and misconceptions. One instructional activity to handle this situation would be to talk about the monsters. Ask Were they scary? Did they change? Show the pictures of Max being carried by the monsters and the way they dance and play. Talk about feelings and emotions (the monsters and Max were not sure about each other at first, but then they grew to like each other and play together). The students can then draw monster faces depicting an emotion.

Second best children's book ever. My 15 month old son LOVES it, as did his older siblings when they were little. The song "wild thing" fits in well when the wild rumpus begins... highly recommended!

After having read a copy of this to my oldest grandson, and having the pages worn and dog eared, I had to buy one each for my other 2 grandsons. They are as mesmerized as the 1st was. Can't get enough of it. Fascinated by the little boy's antics. Constantly amused.

This book is one of those inexplicable "classics".....

The "lessons" taught are bad ones, and the artwork is in no way comforting or calming.

This not a good childrens book, and those who say it is amaze me with their viewpoint.

I bought this book for my 2 month old daughter and she loves it! Its one of the only books she'll sit through and make happy noises when I'm reading.

So, let's get this straight: I'm 39, I'm an author, I have read Shakespeare, I have a blisteringly high IQ, and yet this book has consistently remained one of the three books I would take in regards to the silly question "If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to bring three books, which three would they be?" Why?

Because, as Jareth, from another great tale, once said "if you turn it this way and that.." Do you understand yet?

It's a children's book because someone claimed it is and children do so love it. It is a very adult book, full of wise counsel, full of lurking madness and mayhem, showing off, in simple wording, the dangers of the world outside our windows. It is endearing and enrapturing.

People will tell you that it's good for building character and it's probably true. They will tell you that there are lessons to be learned inside and of this I am certain.

Don't buy it for those reasons, dear ladies and gentlemen, because those reasons are the by-product of the truth. The truth is that this book is cunningly crafted, absolute, genius in form and function, in line and in text. Buy it, because you'll want to read it so many times that, if you should opt to check it out from the library instead, you are bound to make the librarian cross.

This is one of my favorite books from childhood. I recently bought a copy for my nephew for christmas, and he loved it! I think it may have something to do with him relating to the character Max so much.

It had been quite a while since i had seen or read it, and all the great memories came flooding back once i opened the first few pages. The art is simply beautiful and captures the imagination....everything from the bedroom to the island, to the way the creatures are handled....perfect.

Its my hope that someday he will pass it onto his kids when he gets old enough. But until then, I hope he enjoys it as much as I did when I was his age.

I first discover Sasek as I bough Little Bear for my daughter. She was watching the series on tv and she asked me to buy the books. Then I decided to buy other Sendak books and I ordered this. I was surprised as I am 37 years old and I never read it, I think because it was not published in Italy and there was not amazon nor internet. I has a "scary" book by Ungerer, but it wasn't similar at all.
The book it's not a traditional children book and I think my daughter that is 4 year and old liked it, but she did not understand the meaning very well as it is not so easy for a child.
The subject is emotional and there is not a big story and I think that the most important fact about Where the Wild Things Are is that it shows a brave child who has not fears and goes alone in a place full of (not so) scary monsters. That's why I think that the story is not so strong, but the meaning and the symbols are much more important. The illustrations are amazing, as always with Sasek.

This is one of my all time favorite picture books. I purchase this book often as gifts for friends with children. The illustrations are fabulous. This book truley promotes imagination.
I also recommend books by Beau Beaudoin. He has become my children's favorite author and illustrator. He has fresh new ideas that also promote imagination and make reading fun for readers of all ages.
The Url King and Boetry

I grew up hearing my mom read this story and have such fond memories of the illustrations. It's a wonderful book for that spirited child in your life. Share some great "kid lit" with him/her today!

This is as good as a picture book gets. The gold standard, in my opinion. I loved this book as a kid and got it for my own 4 year old son. A repeat player in our house!

I do not know of anyone who does not know of this book, it seems so much embedded in everyone who has been a child in the last 40 years, and now their children also.

The hardcover is something you definately want as a keepsake and so it holds up with the repeated readings it will gather over and over.

One of the Top 10 must-have childrens book of all time.

I bought this for my 3-year-old son for Christmas. I like to get my kids at least one nice hardback book each holiday season, and I scanned amazon for the top picks. My son is infatuated with all things monster so when I came upon this one, I knew it was the one. It did not disappoint. He has asked for it at bedtime every night since he got it and enjoys "reading" it along with me.

My children have always enjoyed books & this is one that is a good addition to their well stocked library.

My own kids loved this book when they were little. So, it was a given to make sure my nephew, and grandson also had it in their collection.

This is just a wonderful book. My 3 yo loves this book at bedtime. I am surprised that there is not more merchandise available based on this book (costumes, party themes, etc.).

I am a Love and Logic trainer for parents and I frequently tell them that not one child has ever died from missing a meal....but many parents have come close to dying from worrying about it. Where the Wild Things Are proves that Max's mom couldn't let him go to bed without his supper.

This book has been around since 1963 and the art work changed sometime in the 1980's I believe. Maurice Sendak is a talented artist and writer. It is a book you can read over and over and over again....just ask my children who are now in their late 20's.

It was a favorite with my children and now I am reading it to my grandchild...it's wonderful.

This is truly a childhood classic that every parent should buy for their child. Very imaginative storytelling!

I grew up just loving this book. I think it havd more influence on my imagination than any other book.

I recently had a son and purchased this book to read with him and it is just as entertaining after all these years.

Read as a child myself, who does not have this book?? If you don't-- get one! My children love it, I love it, even my husband loves it! It's fun, fun, fun! And kids LOVE to act it out quoting verbatim after reading for the 123rd time! Must have for the family library! (hang onto it even after they've grown, let them have it to read to their kids!)

What child hasn't dreamed of being a wild animal, untamed and free? Of having no boundaries or restrictions?

In the magical world of a young boy's imagination, a wonderland can blossom. Sent to bed without supper for misbehaving, the unrepentant and spirited Max lets his imagination soar. His bedroom transformed into an exotic wilderness, Max sets sail across a deep blue sea to where the "wild things" are. After taming all of these fearsome monsters (turns out, he's the wildest of them all), the newly crowned "king of all wild things" leads them on quite a romp....until the lonely boy decides to return to the place where he is loved.

This journey into imagination is wonderful, whimsical and extraordinary. Small wonder that "Wild Things" was named the Caldecott Medal Winner for the Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year in 1964. Author/Illustrator Maurice Sendak has created a timeless classic - one which will always be among my personal favorites.

This is a great children's book and is on many top lists, won numerous awards, etc. It is a wonderful, typical Sendak-style story where something scary is not so scary after all. Great for girls and boys!

I like reading this story to my little girl. She loves the unique pictures and the story line makes her giggle. It is something different than the normal fairy tale stories, which I happen to be sick of. I think it is a fun book for both me and my little girl to read.

the story its been recommended by a friend, and once i got it i loved it. the drawings are wonderful!

The language and pictures are beautiful and stunning, in typical Sendak style. Sendak almost always takes a reader by surprise. His themes are not comfortable ones, particularly for parents. The story and the way its told can be frightening for some children as scenes conjure images that hit on some primal fears and discomforts. I suspect people will either love or dislike this book, but I'm one who loves it but can equally understand why others might not. So, if you can, take a look at it prior to buying and certainly before you read it to younger children.



That aside, Where the Wild Things Are has become a classic in children's literature for good reason. It is a story about a boy who acts out, a boy who becomes a "wild thing" himself. His transformation from beast to boy and back is a gradual and wonderful part of the picture book, but in no way tries to deny that the "wild thing" aspect exists. For some it might not be a comfortable tale, but it is one that highlights feelings that young children may have and discusses them in a format they can identify with.



Happy reading!

The language and pictures are beautiful and stunning, in typical Sendak style. Sendak almost always takes a reader by surprise. His themes are not comfortable ones, particularly for parents. The story and the way its told can be frightening for some children as scenes conjure images that hit on some primal fears and discomforts. I suspect people will either love or dislike this book, but I'm one who loves it but can equally understand why others might not. So, if you can, take a look at it prior to buying and certainly before you read it to younger children.

That aside, Where the Wild Things Are has become a classic in children's literature for good reason. It is a story about a boy who acts out, a boy who becomes a "wild thing" himself. His transformation from beast to boy and back is a gradual and wonderful part of the picture book, but in no way tries to deny that the "wild thing" aspect exists. For some it might not be a comfortable tale, but it is one that highlights feelings that young children may have and discusses them in a format they can identify with.

Happy reading!

A book filled with some fabulous whimsical monsters that kids love.

When a young boy is ignored a bit, he develops some imaginary
friends in an imaginary place 'Where the Wild Things Are', because wild
thing was something that his mother called him.

Some great drawings of cavorting with big monsters, until he comes back to reality.