Where The Wild Things Are: The Movie

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 2, 2009

“Let the wild rumpus start!”

Excitement and curiosity is brewing amongst fans of the award-winning, bestselling creation of Maurice Sendak, Where The Wild Things Are. October 16, 2009, marks the release date of the movie version of this cherished classic. To take a book which means so much to so many people and turn it into a movie is a very brave task to undertake. After listening to Maurice Sendak speak about the movie in this featurette (below), I have high hopes. Sendak is certainly expecting controversy, but believes that this movie only enriches the story we all love so much.

In the event you want to see more about what to expect in the movie, Where The Wild Things Are: The Movie Storybook is already available:

Where The Wild Things Are: The Movie Storybook

by Barb Bersche, Michelle Quint

Reading level: Ages 7-12

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival (September 8, 2009)

Review: A collectors item, or perhaps a way to prepare your youngster for the movie, either way you’ll find the photography in this book creative and inspiring. It is a classic style movie book that manages to retell the film effortlessly. Snapshots from the movie combined with a well written narrative make this a smooth read and a great gift.

Publisher’s synopsis: Where the Wild Things Are, one of the wildest and most memorable picture books ever created, is now a movie full of adventure and mystery?—?and huge hairy creatures. Follow Max, a rambunctious boy who feels misunderstood at home, as he sets out in a tiny boat, seeking new worlds across the sea. He lands on the incredible island of the wild things, a place where being a beast isn’t a bad thing. The wild things make Max their king, and he reigns over a land of friendly battles, 100-foot-tall dogs, enormous forts, and amazing chases. But life on the island is full of challenges, too. The wild things expect a lot from their king, and if he doesn’t please them, there’s a good chance he’ll be gobbled up!

Add this book to your collection: Where The Wild Things Are: The Movie Storybook

Still want more …

Where The Wild Things Are: Coloring and Creativity Book and Crayons

by Sadie Chesterfield

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival; Pap/Toy edition (September 8, 2009)

Review: Chunky double-ended color crayons and lots of Wild Things! What more can I say?

Publisher’s synopsis: If you were king of all the wild things, what would your crown look like? If you could make a delicious feast for your subjects, what would it be?

Let your imagination run wild through the pages of this one-of-a-kind coloring and creativity book!

Add this book to your collection: Where The Wild Things Are: Coloring and Creativity Book and Crayons

Where The Wild Things Are: Puzzle Book

by Alice Cameron

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 14 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival (September 8, 2009)

Just like the Where The Wild Things Are: The Movie Storybook, this puzzle book offers a retelling of the movie, only, in much more simple terms. A brief narrative on one page offers up an explanation of a beautiful snapshot cut into a puzzle on the opposite page. A gift book that will be appreciated by true fans and movie goers.

Publisher’s synopsis: Sail across the ocean with Max and enter the World of Where the Wild Things Are! Each of the six jigsaw puzzles inside features a photo from the unforgettable new movie.

Add this book to your collection: Where The Wild Things Are: Puzzle Book