Customer Rating: 
Summary: I loved it
Comment: I was pretty surprised and disapointed in some of the reviews on this book. Several of the people who didn't like it themselves seemed to think that nobody 'really' does, and that they are only saying they do because it's a popular book. What a silly thing to assume. After all, the book didn't become popular for no reason whatsoever. Honestly, I think some people simply forget how to use their imagination, and you do have to have some use of it to enjoy this book. Yes, I do believe that, as humans, we like to blend in, and so SOME people might be tempted to say they liked it just because their friends did. That is not the case for everyone, and I would say, not the case for most.
This book has a sweet, imaginative story line about a little boy who gets sent to his room and so imagines himself somewhere else, with monsters that he becomes friends with. (Obviously, these are friendly 'monsters'). There is nothing difficult about the story line, especially if you use your imagination. The pictures are beautiful, but, not every child will like them, because every child is unique. I think this is a good book for children who are afraid to sleep because of monsters under the bed, because it protrays monsters (which are very real to many small children) as friendly and playful. This is a wonderful story, especially if you have a rambuncious child with a vivid imagination. But, as with all books, before you buy it, check it out at your library or from a friend to see if you and your little one will enjoy it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Let The Wild Rumpus Start!
Comment: Among the hundreds of books my husband and I have purchased for our seven-year old daughter over the course of her young life, "Where the Wild Things Are" is one of the absolute best. She loves the freeing world that Max enjoys and its ever-so-slightly dangerous vibe. When she was younger, my husband and I loved the simple poetry and cadence. It's fun to read! It's almost like singing a song. (My daughter especially loved the female monster.)
The message is a good one: our imaginations are rich beyond measure, joy is a universal desire, and one need not go anywhere outside themselves to experience adventure.
Let the wild rumpus start!
Customer Rating:
Summary: classic
Comment: childhood classic, what else is there to say. aweome book for any child or parent!
Customer Rating:
Summary: A lifetime favorite
Comment: This story is about imagination and reality and maintaining a healthy balance between them. The understanding that was intended to be brought from reading it is that imagination is good but remember that make-believe is make-believe and reality is reality.
The story has remained popular with children because of it's simplicity, because of the element of adventure. The pictures of course draw the children in. When teaching high school English I brought my copy to school and had a student that was enjoying reading my Dr. Seuss Sneeches book, and I showed him Where the Wild Things Are (he is a senior! And 18 years old) and he had never seen the story before! I was amazed.
What part do the pictures play in it's popularity? It is a big facet of it! The pictures are soft, they give a humorous twist to big hairy monsters... It is appropriate for the age group it was written but also a great blast of the past for us adults. The book is adventurous and jovial. It has a happy ending. I've remembered this story all of my life. I used to have a copy of this story as a child... I purchased a copy for myself as and adult and it remains in my collection. I remember this story because my parents read it to me - it was one of my favorites. I think it is the artwork, the muted colors of the story and the warmth of the book that makes it a classic. The overall message of the book: Daydreaming can be fun. (even as adults!)
Customer Rating:
Summary: Artist Review
Comment: This is one of the only books I remember from my childhood. Instead of your typical cutesy little kid story, you have something with real imagination and fun. It's an original story line with very unique illustrations. I know many adult artists who still love this book for its artwork.
I used to spend hours studying these illustrations as a child and now I'm a successful artist and I still love them. The point of these illustrations, or rather, any illustration is to supplement imagination, not create it. When I was a child these gorgeous artistic illustrations were far more interesting to me than the typical disney style. Even as a kid I could appreciate this book for its originality. Then again, I had imagination of my own, and was able to bring these creatures to life. Kids today have video games to do that for them.
I think people who rate this book as poor just can't see the value in it as art. This is a complete artistic vision executed as both literature and visual art. I can't see how anyone couldn't like this book unless they have absolutely no imagination, or if they have no appreciation for art whatsoever.
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