The wild things--with their mismatched parts and giant eyes--manage somehow to be scary-looking without ever really being scary; at times they're downright hilarious. Sendak's defiantly run-on sentences--one of his trademarks--lend the perfect touch of stream of consciousness to the tale, which floats between the land of dreams and a child's imagination.

This Sendak classic is more fun than you've ever had in a wolf suit, and it manages to reaffirm the notion that there's no place like home.

This is a classic written in 1963 by Maurice Sendak. The New York Times claimed that Maurice Sendak was "one of the most powerful men in the US" because he was able to help shape the fantasies of millions of children. The illustrations in this book are startling and amazing. This would be a great book even if it didn't have any words, the pictures alone are great. This book was the winner of the Caladecott Medal for the Most Distinguished Picture Book of the year.

This is a great story that both adults and children will enjoy alike. But I would recommend it for kids ages 6 and under. My son is always asking to read this book at bed time.


One of the few perfect books ever written   July 16, 2000
 26 out of 29 found this review helpful

Reviewing Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" is a bit like pointing at a full moon on a clear night: it's rather hard to miss. My favorite book as a child first learning to read, "Where the Wild Things Are" has recently moved into the handful of books my 3-year old daughter wants read to her again and again (and again and again). Max's rebelliousness and imagination are like looking into a mirror for her: as Max realizes what awaits him at home, I like to think she too remembers all those times she misbehaved and got angry and then decided her parents were okay after all. The pictures still hold their charm after nearly four decades; their quirkiness hasn't faded. This book belongs in the library of every human on the planet, regardless of age.


not as good as new books   June 18, 2004
 21 out of 56 found this review helpful

I am almost 7 and my teachre said we have to say why we like a lot of books or do not like a lot of books this summer on amazon and then print out them and give them to our new teacher next year So I am starting with this book.

My dad reelly likes this book because he said it was good when he was a kid. I dont like it. The pictures are boring and the story is not long. My dad reads this to me a lot and I like the books that are newer. New books have pictures that are pretty and the storys are funner and longer. This book has pictures that look old. I wish my dad would read this to himself and let me read something diferent. Nichole


A Story for the Ages   December 12, 1999
 19 out of 24 found this review helpful

My two sons absolutely loved this book. They liked the idea of going 'where the wild things are' and the book inspired a lot of play in our house. The book nicely balances the child's need for imaginative thinking with a sense of limits, and the pleasures of home. The illustrations clearly make this book great, because they provide a launch pad for this imaginary place. This is one of a handful of books that will bond you with your child for the rest of your lives. Don't miss that opportunity!

Unlike some children's books which are a little boring for the adults to read after the 350th time, I always enjoyed this one because I could think new thoughts each time I read it.

I think this is one of the best five books for children.