Module 2a – Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

1. Citation – Sendak, Maurice. Where the Wild Things Are. Harper Collins Publishers (New York), c1991, c1963.
   
2. Summary- A lively, rambunctious boy gets sent to his room without dinner as punishment. He imagines himself running off to a far off land where monsters are waiting to play with him, and he can be as "wild" as he wants to be. After spending time in the land across the ocean, he realizes that he misses his home. He goes back home to find that, indeed, he does get dinner after all.
   
3. Impressions of the Book – This book is wonderfully illustrated, and has a storyline that all children can relate to on some level. What I found most interesting was that when I read this to my 3 year old, she not only got the concepts, but she was able to make up part of the story (beyond the written word). My daughter has never been "sent to her room", but she could still connect with the young boy and his frustration. This book not only has lessons to teach, but leaves enough to the imagination that kids can take it to a very different place.
   
4. Reviews – from Professor Donald Mitchell – retrieved from Amazon.com
   

   My two sons absolutely loved this book. They liked the idea of going 'where the wild things are' and the book inspired a lot of play in our house. The book nicely balances the child's need for imaginative thinking with a sense of limits, and the pleasures of home. The illustrations clearly make this book great, because they provide a launch pad for this imaginary place. This is one of a handful of books that will bond you with your child for the rest of your lives. Don't miss that opportunity!
   

   Unlike some children's books which are a little boring for the adults to read after the 350th time, I always enjoyed this one because I could think new thoughts each time I read it.
   

   I think this is one of the best five books for children. – Donald Mitchell
   

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – This book could be used to spark a discussion about anger and forgiveness. It can also be used for older kids as a starting point for narrative expansion – for example, after reading the story, have the students write a narrative of an adventure in the land across the ocean that is not portrayed in the book. (This might not be as useful now that there is a movie out, but still possible).