where the wild things are

Title: where the wild things are

author: Maurice Sendak

about the author:Maurice Bernard Sendak is an American writer and illustrator of children's literature who is best known for his book Where the Wild Things Are, published in 1963.Sendak was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Polish-Jewish immigrant parents, and decided to become an illustrator after viewing Walt Disney's film Fantasia at the age of twelve. His illustrations were first published in 1947 in a textbook titled Atomics for the Millions by Dr. Maxwell Leigh Eidinoff. He spent much of the 1950s working as an artist for children's books, before beginning to write his own stories.
 http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4489.Maurice_Sendak
 

grades: 1-4

summary:A young boy named Max, after dressing in his wolf costume, wreaks havoc through his household and is disciplined by being sent to his bedroom. As he feels agitation with his mother, Max's bedroom undergoes a mysterious transformation into a jungle environment, and he winds up sailing to an island inhabited by malicious beasts known as the "Wild Things." After successfully intimidating the creatures, Max is hailed as the king of the Wild Things and enjoys a playful romp with his subjects; however, he decides to return home, to the Wild Things' dismay. After arriving in his bedroom, Max discovers a hot supper waiting for him.

my reaction: This book was a childhood favorite of mine. I love the bright illustrations and the dream like world that Max creates. Children and adults can relate to creating their own fantasy world to avoid real life and child play.

lesson plans: Have students write about a dream world  they create. Be sure to include supporting details and rich language. Have students illustrate their dreams. compare and contrast the book with the movie.