Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that, though Max misbehaves, the message is one of parental love. This subtle masterpiece of story, writing, and art will have kids asking for repeated readings. Colorful language and a world of imagination make this wild adventure a fun learning experience.
Families who read this book could discuss Max's behavior. Have you ever behaved like Max? Why does he act the way he does? If he loves adventure so much, why does he go back to his parents?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Mary Dixon Weidler
What does a spirited little boy find when he sails over days and across weeks into a strange land? That wild things aren't so different than he is--and that no matter how wild the rumpus, there's no place like home! Kids and parents alike cherish this American classic.
This wonderful book is arguably Sendak's best work--and one of the true classics of children's literature. Is there a child--or an adult--who can't relate to young Max, feeling a bit reckless in that wolf suit, pushing authority a bit too far and ending up punished? .
Perhaps the most appealing element is the wordless series of illustrations in which, after Max begins the "wild rumpus," he and his new friends dance and cavort through six pages of some of the most whimsical, enchanting--and unique--artwork in children's literature. Many children have been known to dance along, hearing the imaginary music playing in Max's head.
When Max goes looking for someone to love him best of all, he finds love not on the island of the wild things (even though they did make him king), but at home, as symbolized by his waiting supper--still hot. The message of unconditional parental love is reasuring to young ones and a perfect ending to the story.
Sendak's next most popular book is probably In the Night Kitchen. Hiawyn Oram's Angry Arthur features another little boy working out his frustration.
From The Book
And now, cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!"
Plot Summary:
Wild child Max gets sent to bed without his supper after threatening to eat his mom. Well, he'll show her, right? In his room--or, at least, in his mind--a forest grows. Max boards a ship that takes him across oceans and days to the home of the wild things, which threaten him with snarls and claws and eye-rolling.
Does this frighten our little wolf-boy? Of course not! Max hypnotizes the monsters, who declare him the most wild thing of all. Max joins in on the fun but quickly bores of the new adventure and sails back home--to find supper in his room, still hot!
Related Books:
Maurice Sendak Also Wrote
In the Night Kitchen
Books With Similar Themes
Angry Arthur by Hiawyn Oram
Ben's Dream by Chris Van Allsburg
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ViolenceMax threatens to eat up his parents and the wild things. |
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Social BehaviorMax disobeys and is sent to his room without any supper. |
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