Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are Review

Overall Rating

The illustrations are works of art, with the small but charismatic figure of Max conveying the mischievous confidence of small boys everywhere, and the monsters, all with their own distinct personalities, stomping through the pages with irrepressible energy and joie de vivre. Max's ability to become 'king of all wild things' as he commands this motley crew must surely stir feelings of recognition from all parents.
The story is funny and magical, working on many levels with the minimum of text. Adult readers might query if it is a description of the imaginative play of a small boy sent to his room, working out his aggression and energy while mum relents and prepares his supper; a metaphor for the awakening of Max to an awareness of the power of his irrepressible ego; or the story of a magical event that teaches Max to recognise and value unconditional love. Young readers will appreciate the adventure, Max's wolf suit, the monsters and the return to security at the end. Pictures and story stay in the mind and will be remembered and returned to with delight.