Where The Wild Things Are

Where The Wild Things Are. ISBN 978-0-06-443178-1. Maurice Sendak. 1963. Caldecott Medal. Ages 4-8. Caucasian.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak tells the story of young Max and where his imagination can lead him. When sent to his room by his mother for acting too wild and talking back, Max finds himself in a new land inhabited by other wild things. He soon becomes the leader of all wild things and throws a "wild rumpus" where all can dance, climb trees, and howl at the moon. Although he is having a fantastic time acting as wild as he pleases, it doesn't take long for him to realize that he misses home, so he heads back to his bedroom where his dinner is waiting for him.

Children have vivid, limitless imaginations that can take them anywhere they want to go. This book illustrates that well, by taking us into Max's imagination with drawings of a far away land and monster-like creatures. It also reminds children that though they may be frustrated with their parents disciplining their wild behaviors, it is done with love, and home is better than any other place they may be tempted to go. It would be good to ask students if they have ever felt like Max in the beginning of the story to open up a discussion about feelings and discipline. We could also talk about if the forest that grew in Max's room was real or not, and plant our own "forests" with seeds, cups, and dirt. We could also draw are own creatures. I'd end the unit by discussing how the students think Max felt when he finally returned home to his mom and a warm dinner.