max et les maximonstres (album) (cf ne)
What’s inside...
Max et les maximonstres, known in English as 'Where the Wild Things Are,' is a classic children's picture book by Maurice Sendak. It tells the story of a young boy named Max who, after dressing in a wolf costume and causing mischief, is sent to bed without supper by his mother. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea grow out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things. These creatures are fearsome and monstrous, but Max conquers them by staring into their yellow eyes without blinking once. He is crowned as the king of the Wild Things and enjoys a wild rumpus with them. However, Max soon feels lonely and decides to return home, where he finds his supper waiting for him, still hot. The book explores themes of anger, imagination, and the desire for independence, as well as the comfort of home and familial love.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Max felt when he was in the land of the Wild Things?
What do you think the Wild Things represent in the story?
Why do you think Max wanted to return home even though he was king of the Wild Things?
How would you feel if you met a Wild Thing? What would you say or do?
What does 'home' mean to you, like it did for Max?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to bring the story to life. Encourage your child to imagine their own 'Wild Things'—what would they look like and how would they act? Discuss the concept of emotions and how everyone, like Max, experiences feelings of anger, loneliness, or happiness. Relate the story's themes to your child’s experiences, fostering a deeper connection to the narrative and its lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: The protagonist, Max, experiences a range of emotions throughout his journey, helping children recognize and name their own feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their emotions more clearly and manage them better in various situations, whether at home or school.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Max's misbehavior leads to him being sent to bed without supper, showcasing the natural consequences of actions.
Real-World Application: This narrative can encourage children to think about the consequences before acting, fostering more thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: Max creates an entire imaginative world, highlighting the power and value of creativity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in play or problem-solving, enhancing their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Value of Forgiveness
Explanation: After his wild escapade, Max returns home to find his supper waiting for him, symbolizing forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of forgiving others and understanding that everyone can make mistakes.
Example Lesson: Concept of Leadership
Explanation: Max becomes the king of the Wild Things, learning to lead but also to be considerate and wise.
Real-World Application: Children learn about leadership qualities such as responsibility and empathy, which are useful in group settings like school projects or teams.