Where the Wild Things Are
How many of us are well acquainted with that title! It’s probably Sendak’s best-known and most loved book. His delightful, huggable monsters have transported many a child (and adult, if they admit to it) into another realm where imagination is king. Today, June 10, he would have been 85.
“If I have an unusual gift, it’s not that I draw particularly better or write particularly better than other people–I’ve never fooled myself about that. Rather, it’s that I remember things other people don’t recall: the sounds and feelings and images–the emotional quality–of particular moments in childhood. ~ Maurice Sendak
Born June 10, 1928 he was an American illustrator and writer of children’s books. Where the Wild Things Are, published in 1963, has been read by millions of fans over and over. His Little Bear books, another very popular series, is all about the little cub and his mother, Mother Bear. Father Bear is a sea captain 
and often absent, but his strong presence is well felt in the series.
- Little Bear (1957)
- Father Bear Comes Home (1959)
- Little Bear’s Friend (1960)
- Little Bear’s Visit (1961)
- A Kiss for Little Bear (1968)
What many probably don’t know about Maurice Sednak is that he was a product of the Holocaust. He lost many family members through that terrible period of history which forever affected his thoughts and perspective of life. He also spent much time confined in bed in early childhood as a result of illness and turned to books as his source of entertainment and learning. He was influenced by a large number of artists and writers.
There is something beyond wonderful when you sit with your child on the couch, snuggled next to each other holding a well written, illustrated book. Personally, I cannot imagine doing that with a Kindle! I like books. Real books. I like to hold them and turn the pages. Even the scent of them adds to the bonding experience as you sit together immersed in the struggles and joys of the characters who live in settings so fantastical and wonderful that you long to be one of them. How often we refer back to so many of those shared moments and are still inspired today by a character’s strength and accomplishments.
Books do influence and shape us and our children, especially if we take extra time and talk about the practical real life applications. Now, my children are reading the same books to their children on the couch together and sharing the same joys.
Childhood is the seed bed for the future. Develop a love for reading and imagination in your child from day one. There may be no better gift you can impart to them.
The Portage County libraries all have reading programs your child can participate in. Go. Sign up. Have them read throughout the school year and summer. Read with them. Be an example and get your own books and read yourself.
You can find a list of all the libraries HERE. Browse Suggested Reads or the Calendar for current program offerings. Make it a point to visit this week and get started. Even if you don’t sign up for a program, make it a weekly family outing. Who knows – you may have the next Maurice Sendak hidden inside that incredible mind which will only be discovered when nurtured.