Where the Wild Things Are

By Maurice Sendak

A young boy travels to a fantastical land inhabited by wild creatures and becomes their king.

6.7/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,082,644 ratings

48 pages· 334 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Max, clad in a wolf suit, is sent to bed without supper. His imagination whisks him to an island of Wild Things, where he becomes their king. But as the wild rumpus unfolds, Max must decide between fantasy and the warmth of home. Will he stay with the creatures or return to the love that awaits him? This timeless tale explores the balance between adventure and belonging, capturing the hearts of readers young and old.

"and it was still warm."

— from the book

From the publisher

Where the Wild Things Are is fifty years old! Maurice Sendak’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children’s books of all time. A must for every child’s bookshelf.

Introduce a new generation to Max’s imaginative journey with this special anniversary edition. Let the wild rumpus continue as this classic comes to life like never before with new reproductions of Maurice Sendak’s artwork.

Astonishing state-of-the-art technology faithfully captures the color and detail of the original illustrations. Sendak himself enthusiastically endorsed this impressive new interpretation of his art before his death in 2012. This iconic story has inspired a movie, an opera, and the imagination of generations.

Awards

Caldecott Medal (1964)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 48
Words: 334
Reading age: 3–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD740L

Themes & topics

Books about monsters Books about imagination Books about bedtime and dreams Books about parents Books about kids stuck at home

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

What readers & critics say

Reviews

6.7

out of 7

7.0

“I really love this book! I have a copy from when my children were little and I have copies for each of their households when collecting children's books starts to be relevant. Over the years I have heard of some of the criticism people have addressed toward this book but none of it has really resonated with me. Sendak's story and illustrations appeal to children in the same way that fairy tales do--none of those is mild and sweet. For children, the world is really black and white, and filled with extremes; either everything is fantastic, or it is terrible. Children can relate to Max, having all experienced that separation from vigorous activity to solitude, with imaginations still running wild. It is excellent that Max is not afraid of the monsters, being master of his imaginary world, and fitting that when he has finished his adventures he returns to the safety and security of home.”

Grammy

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one