Where The Wild Things Are

I never read, “Where The Wild Things Are”, by Maurice Sendak, before this assignment. Mr. Sendak’s descriptive writing and remarkable illustrations make me a huge fan. Particularly, Max’s rambunctiousness and creativity reminds me of my six brothers when they were younger. “Where The Wild Things Are’’ was printed in 1963, and was considered too scary for young children. In contrast, I think “Where The Wild Things Are”, is a wonderful book for children. To point out, the book won the Caldecott Medal and is now considered a piece of children’s classic literature. Mr. Sendak uses simple words and short sentences making it suitable for children over three. For instance; “That very night in Max’s room a forest grew” and “grew” and “grew”, demonstrates the book’s writing style

Sendak’s used pen and paper with cross-hatching, pale colors, and no borders to create his illustrations. In comparing, other Caldecott winners such as; “Madeline” and “The Stinky Cheese Man”, Mr. Sendak’s sketches are superior. His art is consistent throughout the book and helps broaden the story by showing the character’s expressions and changing scenery. For example, the artist draws Max wearing a frown, after being sent to his room. Also, the pictures get larger when Max lands where the “wild things” live to show the fantasy world. Mr. Sendak’s choices of using personification, lighter colors, and cuddly like creatures make the “wild things” seem less frightening. The illustrations in the book make it possible to believe Max’s fantasy, his lack of fear, and nonchalance toward the monsters.
The book, “Where The Wild Things Are”, is large enough so youngsters are able to hold and turn the pages. It is printed on thick paper with an adequate binding. The cover does not convey the theme, but the title page displays Max’s scaring the monsters. The cover and title page both display Max’s imagination and boldness. Namely, Mr. Sendak’s words and pictures makes this an outstanding