 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Kenny's Window
- By Maurice Sendak
- Genre: Adventure
Common Sense Media says
Challenging book makes readers think.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this story is odd, demanding, and appealing. Readers must engage, rather than be passive.
What's the story?
This story from the sly and indirect hand of Maurice Sendak, of dreams and expectations and what we really want, will give kids plenty to chew on. Sendak rarely plays a full deal: Some of his cards remain hidden, some reference of background material is left unspoken, which demands that readers participate directly with the story to complete the picture.
Is it any good?
This is a challenging book from Maurice Sendak, one that really makes the reader think, whether one reads it alone or aloud. The questions posed by the rooster require latitude in thinking, but also fairly specific answers. This releases a flood tide of questions about perception and imagination. It can also release the dreaded "whatever" response -- as emphatic as "boring!" -- such as it did from a group of 7-year-old students who were discussing the book.
The artwork has a similarly fugitive quality, as wistful as a painting by Chagall but without the color to command attention. Perfect for the book, if not a crutch for those who need something to keep them going. The skills and qualities of patience, free thinking, and attentiveness are conveyed through the medium of dreams and imagination, but readers will have to dig for the connections.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about -- and come up with their own responses -- to one of the questions posed to Kenny: Do you always want what you think you want?
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| Author: | Maurice Sendak |
| Illustrator: | Maurice Sendak |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Publisher: | Abbeville Publishing Group |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1956 |
| Number of pages: | 64 |
| Paperback price: | $7.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
