Where the Wild Things Are

Outline

Where the Wild Things Are (1963) tells the story of Max, a boy who is sent to his room after misbehaving and sails away in his imagination to a land of wild creatures. He tames them, becomes their king, and leads a joyful rumpus before feeling lonely and returning home, where his supper is waiting, still warm. Maurice Sendak’s classic picture book explores anger, imagination, and the comfort of being loved.

• Max is sent to his room for misbehaving, and his imagination carries him to a land of wild creatures.
• In his imagined world, Max tames the wild things, becomes their king and leads a joyful rumpus.
• Anger and wildness are shown as real feelings that a child can work through in imagination.
• Even in the middle of the celebration, Max begins to feel lonely and wants to go home.
• Max returns to find his supper waiting, still warm, a quiet sign of being loved.

Maurice Sendak (1928–2012) was an American author and illustrator and one of the most celebrated creators of children’s books. Where the Wild Things Are won the Caldecott Medal and became one of the best-loved picture books of all time. His other works include In the Night Kitchen and Chicken Soup with Rice.