For years I’ve been hearing rumors about the making of the movie, Where the Wild Things Are. I couldn’t imagine how they would make this classic picture book into a full-length live action feature film. And it seemed like the movie would never get made. But now—finally!—it’s here. I’m curious to read the reviews and find out what the critics think. But with Spike Jonze as the director (and also a co-screenwriter with Dave Eggers), I have high hopes. At the very least, it’s going to be original.

What’s more, the publicity surrounding the movie has cast renewed attention on what is probably Maurice Sendak’s most famous work. When it was first published in 1963, the book was critically acclaimed but controversial. Some people thought the monsters were too scary and frowned on Max’s wild behavior. Where the Wild Things Are went on to win numerous awards and there are millions of copies in print today. Still, not everyone is a fan. I think it’s brave and honest of Bruce Handy (writing in last weekend’s New York Times Book Review) to admit that he never really liked it as a child and his kids don’t care too much for it either. His essay makes a valid point that you never know how children are going to react to books, even iconic ones. 

Fair enough. But I, myself, loved Wild Things as a child and appreciate it even more as an adult. I can’t wait to read it to my own kids and I hope they feel the same way about it. In fact, I’m a big fan of Sendak in general. He’s written and illustrated so many interesting, beautiful books that get at the heart of children’s fantasies and fears. In the Night Kitchen (also controversial; this time because of scenes showing a naked boy) is another good example of how Sendak channels kids’ deepest desires. As an author, Sendak tackles difficult emotions like anger, jealousy, and defiance—with honesty and respect for children but also warmth and reassurance at the end of the day.

Yet I have to admit that some of my favorite Sendak books are ones that he only illustrated. My very first encounter with his work was What Do You Say, Dear? by Sesyle Joslin. This is a book that teaches kids manners using absurd, hypothetical situations (if you happen to bump into a crocodile, for example). Sendak’s illustrations—lighthearted and whimsical—are a perfect match for Joslin’s humorous text.

Then there is my absolute favorite: A Hole Is to Dig by Ruth Krauss. It’s hard to describe, but this book is a collection of definitions (of things like a hole, cats, eyebrows), all from a child’s point of view.

Sendak’s simple black-and-white illustrations are just as joyful and magical as the words. If you’ve never seen it, I suggest giving it a peek. It’s a gem!

As for the movie, Where the Wild Things Are, I’m bummed because my kids are too young to sit through it, much less appreciate it. For those of you who are rushing out to see it, I’d love to know how you liked it. Does the film do justice to the book?