Book Review ~ Where the Wild Things Are

Book Review

 

Sendak, M. (1963). Where the wild things are. NY: HarperCollins.

 

Summary

This children's classic won the 1964 Caldecott Medal.  In this highly imaginative story, a boy is sent to his room with no supper for being too wild.  His room transforms into a forest, and he travels to a distant land. In this land, he can be as wild as he wants to be.  He is made king of the wild things, but soon realizes that home is where his heart truly lies. 

 

Analysis

The author/illustrator uses the visual element of composition to creatively tell this wild tale.  At the start of the book, the picture is relative small.  With each passing page, the pictures become larger and begin to spill over to the page on the left until the entire two pages are nothing more than an illustration.  As the climax of the story is reached, the pictures begin to diminish again until it fits back onto one page. 

 

This book would also work well when teaching plot.  It clearly hits every element on plot:

›Exposition – We are introduced to Max and the “mischief” he is creating.

›Rising action – He is sent to his room without supper. Forests begin to grow in his room. He travels by boat and lands in a new land. He is made king.

›Climax – Max misses home.

›Falling action – He travels back home.

›Resolution – When he arrives home, his supper is waiting for him.