It’s almost Halloween, and my thoughts wandered to “Where The Wild Things Are”, a new film based on the children’s book by Maurice Sendak. I remember reading the book to my son when he was little, and it’s on our bookshelf today. I’m curious about the movie because the book is only ten pages, with illustrations. The film trailer looks grand, like it captures Sendak’s large, adventurous illustrations.

I reviewed Sendak’s book on my latest lens, Children’s Book – Where The Wild Things Are. I had a lot of fun since there are more activities available than when I read the book to my son a few years ago. I found Where The Wild Things Are lesson activities for art, language arts, geography, P.E.,  and social studies for ages K-8. I also discovered Where The Wild Things Are themed clothing, costumes, and cupcakes.

If you’re interested in Where The Wild Things Are costumes for Halloween, check out the lens for both store-bought and hand-made costumes. I absolutely loved the kid’s homemade costume for Max. It’s very easy to make, with a simple hoodie and sweatpants as the basic outfit. I also love the costumes that pull double-duty, like the Max pajamas that can also be worn as a Halloween costume.

From a literature point of view, Where The Wild Things Are is an intriguing book. Sendak wrote the book in 1963 and won the Caldecott award. When it was first released, the book received a lot of criticism for its dark themes: the child misbehaves and the mother sends him to his room without his supper. It’s there that the world opens up, and Max goes on his adventure with dark creatures of the night. While you’re on my lens, voice your opinion on censorship of children’s literature.

Forty plus years later, and Where The Wild Things Are is a classic tale, now released as a film. The last question, like other made-to-film books, which is better: Where The Wild Things Are book or movie?