Where the Wild Things are

This great fantasy book was written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. It was first published in 1963, but was redone in later by Red Fox. This book is for children ages 3-5 years old

Maurice Sendak is best known for this story of Where the Wild Things are. He first wrote and illustrated this story in 1963 and through the years it has been revamped. Sendak an American writer was inspired after watching Walt Disney's Fantasia.

This colorful and creative story starts off with little Max getting into mischief and being sent to his room. It is here in his room that his imagination runs Wild! He dreams of floating on a boat to an island where he finds the Wild Things. They make him his king as they romp around the island. It is after he bosses around the Wild Things that he starts to miss home, and decides to go back home. Just in time for his mother to have finished supper.

This story is very engaging to young children and is wildly illustrated to go along with it. The use of pastels and darker colors really brings you into this fantasy world. Making this land of imagination even more believable. Children can believe in this world of Wild Things and can see themselves in Max shoes, just wanting to romp around and play. Even though he thinks this is where he wants to be, he soon realizes that he misses his mother and wants to go back home. The emotions the Wild Things show is great to show children a side of empathy with these large and scary monsters.

Thought Provoking Questions:

• Would you be scared coming to a strange island with monsters around?
• Why do you think Max changed his mind and decided it was time to go back home after running around and playing all day?
• Do you see a change in character in Max, or does he stay carefree and mischievous throughout the story?

Motivational Activity:

With the age group this book is geared towards, I found that using a sequences activity would work great. The children can either draw their own pictures or you can print some out for them. They can then put the pictures in order of the events that happened. This is a great way for comprehension of the story and being able to sequence a time of events too. I also found a cute art activity using toilet paper towels. Where the children were able to recreate their own Wild Things and Max. Think this is great because it allows the children to use their own creativity and make their monsters look however they want, and they could even make themselves into Max the king. 

Reference: 

http://activity-mom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/paper+tube+dolls1.jpg

 Where the Wild Things Are. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2016, from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19543.Where_the_Wild_Things_Are?from_search=true