Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak Β· 1963
Age 4-5F&P J
π Caldecott Medal (1964)π ALA Notable Children's Bookπ The Atlantic 65 Essential (2025)
View on Open Library βAbout This Book
Max, sent to bed without supper for making mischief, sails to where the wild things are. He becomes king of all wild things, leads a wild rumpus, then returns home to find his supper waiting β still hot.
Why This Age
The emotional arc (anger β escape β power β loneliness β return home) mirrors how 4-5 year olds experience big feelings. Caldecott Medal.
How to Use
- Do a 'wild rumpus' together β stomp, roar, dance
- Talk about feeling angry and then wanting to come home
- Notice how the illustrations grow from small to full-page during the wild rumpus