Where The Wild Things Are Paperback – International Edition, 4 May 2000

I've come across some mixed views about this book and the negative ones perhaps miss the point by focusing on only one aspect of the book. Here's 5 reasons why I think it's genius:1) The pictures - lively, engaging and even grotesque, the pictures are attractive and yes a little scary but young readers get to play at being wild things and this helps manage and control fear. Note there's a picture on the wall of a wild thing that portends what is to come and serves as perfect dream fodder.2) The words - short and to the point and the mixed metaphors add to the dreamy sensation. "In and out of weeks and through a day."3) Parental involvement - you have to get involved. So, when the action starts and the words stop - if you've not put down your mobile device and started up some African drumming and Day of the Dead face-pulling with your nipper - then you're not getting involved enough!4) All great books have a message behind the plot, even short kids books. The psychological implications are fairly obvious. It doesn't matter whether it's a dream or not but Max gets to play out his telling off (he commands the wild things to stop and sends them to bed - precisely as happened to him) and so gains some control over the strong emotions he's just experienced. You've seen your nipper tell off toys and even siblings like this...classic projection.5) Max's dinner shows up anyway so that the normal things continued and he's still loved despite his naughty episode.And that is why this book is genius.

It's hard to believe that this wildly imaginative book is 36 years old - definitely worthy of the description "timeless". Sendak is a highly-esteemed painter in a surreal style, and has made many superbly illustrated books. It must be said that not all are actually very accessible by children, but this is his masterpiece! I read this to my daughter EVERY SINGLE NIGHT for six months, and never tired of it. There is only a line or two of text on each page, and every word counts. It reads like blank verse, and there are intriguing internal rhymes, beautifully apparent when read aloud .... " 'Now stop!' Max said, and sent the wild things off to bed without their supper." Also wonderful is the typographical joke at the end, where the story appears to finish when Max returns from his dream journey to find his supper waiting for him. You turn the page, and then on an otherwise blank page, "And it was still hot". Sendak had always insisted that his books are never published in reduced format, or bowdlerised in any way, so, even when you buy paperback editions, you get a quality product.I have worked as a children's librarian for nearly 30 years, and in my view this has never been bettered - recommended for absolutely any age of child. It's so subtly satisfying that I never tire of talking about it!PS - Buy the video too - it's wonderful!

I LOVE THIS BOOK... come to think of it, love all I have read Mr. Sendak. He was obviously ahead of the game in so many ways and I still struggle to find many modern children's writers who can match the creativity, imagination and wonder of this great man.I am inspired to have found this book again and I know I will enjoy returning to this story again and again... anyone who find this too disturbing or this man's work innapropriate for themselves or their child... I can only say... sorry to hear that and good luck.But, for anyone who want to venture into worlds unknown, anyone wishing to discover new and learn about others... Maurice Sendak will provide magic, fear, emotion, adventure and wonder every time.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all those interested in LIFE and hoping to encourage the same in their young ones.

Loved this story as a kid and now mine love it too

I am pregnant and have brought a few books to read to the bump. This book was my number one choice. I used to read it when I worked in a nursery and love it. It has wonderful illustrations and the story is charming. Highly reccomended

As Sendak would say, there's so much in this book than just the reading.A simple story, few characters, and a lot of imagination. You'll love it so much you'll want to eat it up!It's an amazing story to read out loud, it's a great tell, words are perfect and so precise that the Author didn't need to write many.The Wild Things are the like the Dragons that you see on those ancient maps, when lands and seas were yet to be discovered and still, Max - the little boy - is able to tame them.This is what I like about the story: You just have to believe in yourself. You just have to go and start your own adventure. My baby just love the Monsters and Max's wolf suit.The picture are so lovely, scary, funny, sad altogether. You can't forget them.As an adult, you'll notice some references to William Blakes' Divina Commedia.The book is as big as an A4 sheet, those you normally use for the printer: amazing size for small hands and big pictures. Won't rip easily.I had mine for a few months now, and the pages are a bit yellowish, which I expect and adore in a book, but you never know what someone else might like. (see pic)Note: Get this story in a paper Book, not eBook. Sendak hated them.Spike Jones has directed a movie (2009) adapted from M.Sendak book, but it's different, and you won't get the book taste.

Damn, this book is 60 years old but still holds up

Amazing book my little boy loves this book! He enjoys the pictures and points to everything. Plus this was a childhood favourite of mine!