Publisher: Penguin Books
Author: Dave Eggers

The novel “The Wild Things” is adapted from the classic, illustrated children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are” written by Maurice Sendak (1963) and is based on the screenplay of the same title that was released on the movie circuit in 2009.

It follows the story of Max, an eight year old boy with a very active imagination, who also likes to ride his bike; make a lot of noise and to get dirty-as most boys do. Max’s parents have recently divorced and Max’s mother and teenage sister now consider him to be out of control.

Following an argument with his mother, Max is sent to his room without any supper so he decides to run away. He finds a boat and sails for many days and nights across the ocean until he comes to a strange island inhabited by enormous and destructive animals-the Wild Things. Max is able to talk himself out of being eaten by the beasts and is then proclaimed their king. Then follows a period of destruction and “wild rumpus” where Max and the Wild Things create havoc on the island. Finally Max’s fantasy ends and he sails home to his mother and to find his supper waiting for him.

“The Wild Things” is a fascinating story about a young boy’s feelings of anger and powerlessness and how he works through these emotions through fantasy until he has calmed down and is ready to face the real world again. Readers of all ages will identify with the story-line and with Max as he is a likeable and imaginative boy given to great flights of fantasy. Children will also realize that it okay to feel angry sometimes and that conflict within the family is sometimes unavoidable and that, like Max, fantasizing is an excellent means to calming down. However, some of the darker emotions and anger experienced by Max can be quite disturbing so I would recommend that parents read the book first before passing it on to their children to read. Highly recommended.

Review by Kym Stocks

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