The expanding world of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’
Maurice Sendak’s ground-breaking 1963 book Where the Wild Things Are established him as a true visionary in the world of children’s literature. In 1964 he received the Caldecott Medal for the book, and in 1970 was the first American illustrator to be awarded the prestigious Hans Christian Anderson Award, for his entire body of work. Wild Things is still one of the pre-eminent children’s books even today, and McFarlane Toys worked closely with Sendak to create a series of action figures straight from the pages of the book. These are well on their way to becoming priceless Collector’s items.
Premiering on October 16th, is a Spike Jonze adaptation of Sendack’s famed story, starring Mark Ruffalo, Catherine Keener and Max Records. Jonze, director of Being John Malkovich, Adaptation and many memorable Beastie Boys music videos, this film should be an interesting ride.
Evidently there are a lot of lessons to be learned from this classic. Whether you are willing to admit it or not, as a parent you are your kid’s first teacher, so pull up a chair and create a custom ‘Wild Thing’ word puzzle and show him or her how it’s done.
Lesson Plan’s Page – Math & Social Studies Lesson for Kindergarten
Easy Fun School – Literature Unit for Pre-k
The Teacher’s Corner – Where the Wild Things Are custom crossword puzzles
A Guide for Using Where the Wild Things Are in the Classroom
Other Related Links and Articles:
Where the Wild Things Are
Where the Wild Things Are [Google Books]
Where the Wild Things Are [movie]
