30 Day Photo Challenge- Day 23

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

I have many favorite books, so this was tough to decide what to write about. In the end I chose "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. There are so many things I love about this simple children's book.

Max is the main character in this book, and he has been sent to his bedroom. His room becomes a jungle, and Max travels to the place where the Wild Things live. He becomes their king, has some fun with them, then leaves. He travels back home to his bedroom where his dinner is waiting.

When Max is sent to his room he is angry. His time spent with the Wild Things allows Max to feel his anger and his adventures give time for the frustration to dissolve into something Max can manage. Much of the story is told without words. The illustrations depicting the Wild Rumpus empower the reader to let his or her own emotions guide the plot. What are the Wild Things thinking? What is going through Max's mind?

In 2009, "Where the Wild Things Are" was made into a movie. For my 35th birthday my family went to the Imax Theater to watch the film. Tears streamed down my face as Max and the Wild Things came to life on the big screen. The soundtrack to this movie is OUTSTANDING! The depth of feelings is captured perfectly. The motion picture was a perfect extension of the book.

My children and I read "Where the Wild Things Are" over and over when they were little. I don't know why we never bought the book, but we would check it out from the library every couple of months. I was always amazed at how the story would change based on what was happening in our lives. Children really do feel powerful when they have a story to tell.

"Where the Wild Things Are" was a story that gave children power well before the time that it was popular to talk to children about their feelings. Maurice Sendak knew, however, that children needed an outlet. They needed a place to go when they felt like they were going to lose their tempers, and he created the Wild Rumpus. Children of all ages can explain how they feel simply by saying, "I'm having a Max day."

What is your favorite book? It can be either one you've read as an adult or a favorite childhood memory.