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Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The story of Max’s adventures when he sails away to the land where the Wild Things are

Maurice Sendak’s children’s picture book has become an acknowledged classic. A winner of the Caldecott Medal for the Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year in 1964, Where the Wild Things Are is a timeless masterpiece that can be enjoyed equally by children and grown-ups.

Where the Wild Things changed children’s books forever. The illustrations are dreamlike, the writing style simple, yet imaginative and delightfully atypical. It is a timeless classic; a book to be read and re-read every night of the week, a book to be enjoyed and cherished.

This wonderful fantasy is ideal for four to eight-year-olds that will not, despite some reviews, scare children. It is simple and it is beautiful, featuring verse as lyrical as the following extract:

and he sailed off through night and day
and in and out of weeks
and almost over a year
to where the wild things are

Where the Wild Things Are will allow children’s imaginations to soar and will continue to delight them for at least another 40 years.

When asked about the inspiration behind his Wild Things, the author and illustrator replied in his typically forthright and honest manner:

“My brother, sister and I were sitting shiva, the Jewish ceremony. And all we did was laugh hysterically. I remember our relatives used to come from the old country, those few who got in before the gate closed, all on my mother’s side. And how we detested them. And these people didn’t speak English. And they were unkempt. Their teeth were horrifying. Nose… unravelling out of their hair, unravelling out of their noses. And they’d pick you up and hug you and kiss you, "Aggghh. Oh, we could eat you up." And we know they would eat anything, anything. And so, they’re the wild things. And when I remember them, the discussion with my brother and sister, how we laughed about these people who we of course grew up to love very much, I decided to render them as the wild things, my aunts and my uncles and my cousins. And that’s who they are.”
Maurice Sendak, in an interview with PBS

Maurice Sendak was born in Brooklyn, New York. At the age of twelve, inspired by Disney’s Fantasia, he made the decision to become an illustrator and, after spending many years working as an artist for children’s books, he began to write his own stories.

Posted: February 20th, 2010
Author: Lee
Categories: Children's Fantasy Books

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Lives changed by the healing power of beauty.

Little Mary Lennox is brought up in India, a spoilt, sullen brat, whom her wealthy parents are more than happy to leave entirely in the care of their nanny. But when a cholera epidemic claims the lives of her mother and father, Mary is sent to live in her uncle’s mysterious old house on the rambling Yorkshire moors.

Left to her own devices, talking only the the chambermaid Martha, she swiftly becomes even more disagreeable. But then Martha tells her a story about a secret garden hidden in the grounds, locked for ten years, ever since Mary’s aunt passed away. Her grieving uncle hid the key and forbade anyone to enter, ever again.

But he hadn’t reckoned on the curiosity of the lonely little girl. Mary finds a key, and tries it in the lock of the ivy-covered door, which swings open onto a new, secret world. And though she doesn’t know it yet, Mary’s discovery will change her life for good…

The Secret Garden was first published in 1909. Its author, Frances Hodgson Burnett, was a believer in Christian Science, which provided her with great spiritual comfort after the death of her son Lionel. These beliefs colour The Secret Garden, in particular the understanding that the imagination, together with positive thinking, have a real and tangible power to transform lives.

Since publication The Secret Garden has become a favourite children’s classic, and influenced numerous modern writers. Author Susan Moody wrote an unofficial sequel to The Secret Garden in 1995, published as Return to The Secret Garden and also Misselthwaite: the Sequel to the Secret Garden. It follows Mary and her cousin Colin and friend Dickon into adulthood.

Posted: January 9th, 2010
Author: Lee
Categories: Children's Fantasy Books, Fantasy Book Review

Meet Morris the Mankiest Monster

It’s years since he last changed his t-shirt
It’s crusty and crawling with ants
His shoes are all slurpy and squelchy inside
And potatoes grow out of his pants

The verse above is probably the tamest and least revolting in the entire book. Morris the Mankiest Monster was turned down by 15 editors, refused by 10 publishers and it has taken 12 years before anybody, in this case David Fickling, was brave enough to publish it.

This is easily the most disgusting picture book I have ever read. I love it, my 3-year-old daughter loves it. My wife and sister-in-law went green about the gills when reading it. We loved that most of all.

Morris lives in a house made of dung, he picks his scabs. Pustules, ear wax, snotty green bogies and warts all make appearances. And yet Morris is a loveable figure and has now usurped the poor old Gruffalo at bedtimes. It seems that the more repulsive the book, the greater the enjoyment.

Morris the Mankiest Monster would make a wonderful present for younger children from the age of 3 and up. Perfect for those looking to give a little something different this Christmas.

Award-winning children’s author Giles Andraea has enjoyed success both in the UK and abroad with his picture books. Giles is also the creator of the Purple Ronnie and Edward Monkton greeting cards and merchandising. He lives in London with his wife and young children.

Sarah McIntyre was born in Seattle. She studied Russian literature and art history before doing a master’s degree in Illustration at Camberwell College of the Arts in London. She loves the thrill of being a perpetual tourist in London, where she has lived since 1999.

Posted: October 16th, 2009
Author: Lee
Categories: Children's Fantasy Books

Make a date to see Where the Wild Things Are this December

Where the Wild Things Are is one of those truly rare books that can be enjoyed equally by a child and a grown-up.

December will see Maurice Sendak’s much loved children’s book in all its glory on the silver screen. An adaptation by Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich, music videos for Bjork, Fat Boy Slim, REM and the The Beastie Boys) will feature a mixture of real actors, computer animation, and live puppeteering and looks amazing – just look at the trailer below: 

Maurice Sendak wrote and drew Where the Wild Things Are, a children’s book first published in 1963. An immediate critical success, it initially caused some controversy and was not an immediate popular hit. It is the story of Max, a rambunctious boy who is sent to his room without dinner for shouting at his mother, "I’ll eat you up!" Concerned adults considered Max a bad role model and thought the drawings were too scary for younger children. Nonetheless, it became popular with children and parents alike over the years, and has since sold millions of copies and been translated into more than a dozen languages. Sendak has written and illustrated several children’s books, including In the Night Kitchen (1971) and Outside Over There (1982), illustrated dozens of works by other authors and decorated sets and costumes for stage and television productions of several operas. One of the most respected children’s authors in the field, he has been awarded the Caldecott Prize, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal and the National Medal of Arts. Sendak was the first recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature (2003).

The video below shows features footage from the making of the film and you can hear both Sendak and Jonze discuss the book and what it means to them:

My wife and I will be taking our 3 year old daughter to the cinema for the first time to watch this… wish us luck!

Posted: September 27th, 2009
Author: Lee
Categories: Children's Fantasy Books

The Death Defying Pepper Roux by Geraldine McCaughrean

Synopsis
When Pepper Roux was born his aunt foretold that he would not live past 14 years of age. Throughout his childhood his parents haven’t bothered with him much, knowing that his life would be short-lived. So when Pepper wakes up on his 14th birthday he knows this will be the day that he’ll die. But as the day wears on, and Pepper finds himself still alive, he decides to set off to sea in an attempt to try and avoid death for as long as possible. As time goes on Pepper steps into many roles and personas and has numerous outrageous adventures. But can he stay one step ahead of death? Or will fate catch up with him? And, if he does live, which of his many lives will he choose to adopt? This riot of a story is a wonderful adventure, and Pepper is an unforgettable character who stays with you long after his story has been told.

Review
The Death Defying Pepper Roux is a delightful and whimsical book that highlights the power and wonder of imagination. Sometimes authors give us what we want and we are delighted – Geraldine McCaughrean does exactly that, and then adds more for good measure.

If I had to find a comparison in order to describe the book to a complete stranger I would immediately say Amelie. Amelie is a French film, starring Audrey Tautou, and has much in common with this book being French, magical and featuring an endearing and innocent central lead.

The individual threads of the story are beautifully woven together. This is a charming book, often surreal, always humorous but with an underlying darkness that often shows man’s – and to a much lesser extent, woman’s – inherent cruelty, often casual but nevertheless evident.

McCaughrean also has a gift when it comes to causality. The consequences of everything that Pepper says and does are shown brilliantly.

Pepper Roux is a boy that every reader will warm to. There is not a bad bone in his body and his treatment at the hands of some truly despicable adults will have readers feeling righteous indignation. As the last pages draw closer you hope that Pepper will get the happy ending that he deserves.

Philip Pullman and JK Rowling have produced books that have thrilled and delighted younger readers; books that have sold millions of copies. McCaughrean is a better author than Rowling and Pullman put together;  she has a mastery over words. Please don’t think I am being uncharitable to Rowling and Pullman – their books have resulted in youngsters reading again and they both deserve honours for what they have achieved – it’s just that writers like Geraldine McCaughrean and Michael Morpurgo are masters of their craft.

This is a book I will never forget. Highly recommended for older children and young adults.

Geraldine McCaughrean was born in 1951 and brought up in North London. She studied at Christ Church College of Education, Canterbury and worked in a London publishing house for 10 years before becoming a full-time writer in 1988. She has written over 120 books, 50 short plays for schools, and a radio play. Her adult novels include Fires’ Astonishment (1990) and The Ideal Wife (1997), but she is best-known for her children’s books. She writes for children of all ages, from first readers, picture books, and younger children’s books, to children’s novels, which include A Little Lower than the Angels (1987), Gold Dust (1993) and Not the End of the World (2004), each of which have won the Whitbread Children’s Book Award, making her the only writer to have won this award three times. Geraldine McCaughrean has also written several collections of stories, including bible stories and fairy tales. She specialises in the retelling of classic tales such as The Canterbury Tales (1984), The Odyssey (1993), Moby Dick (1996) and El Cid (1989) and of myths and legends from around the world. These books include The Orchard Book of Greek Myths (1992) and The Orchard Book of Roman Myths (1999). Geraldine McCaughrean lives in Berkshire. Her book, Not the End of the World, is currently being adapted for the stage. White Darkness (2005), was shortlisted for the 2005 Whitbread Children’s Book Award. In 2005, she was chosen to write the official sequel to J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. Peter Pan in Scarlet was published in 2006.

Posted: August 15th, 2009
Author: Lee
Categories: Children's Fantasy Books, Fantasy Book Review

Fantasy Book Review: The Midnight Charter by David Whitley

Part conspiracy thriller, part fantasy, The Midnight Charter is a brilliant and compelling novel for 10+ readership which deals with issues of morality, corruption and power and asks important questions about today’s society.

In the city of Agora, anything can be bought and sold. Even children are possessions until their twelfth birthday. Mark has been sold by his father, and Lily, an orphan from birth, has bartered for her life. Thrown together by chance, in the ancient tower of Count Stelli, they face an existence of poverty and servitude, unless they can find a way to break free.

But, unbeknown to Mark and Lily, they are being watched by the ruler of the city. Can they survive the traps and treachery that await them and discover the dark secret that binds them together? Their lives depend on this question: what is the Midnight Charter?

The Midnight Charter is a thoroughly enjoyable book. There is an 18th century feel and the city of Agora, where money does not exist, is wonderful in its creation. Comparisons are difficult but there is a period-feel reminiscent of Marcus Sedgwick’s The Book of Dead Days.

This is a book that we highly recommend and we certainly look forward to David Whitley’s future works.

David Whitley was born in 1984 and graduated from the University of Oxford with a double First in English Literature and a passion for writing children’s fiction. In 2005 David appeared on BBC2’s University Challenge where he was a member of the winning Corpus Christi team who beat all competitors to become Series Champions. David currently lives in Cheshire and is working on his second novel.

Read the full review of David Whitley’s The Midnight Charter

Posted: June 9th, 2009
Author: Floresiensis
Categories: Children's Fantasy Books, Fantasy Book Review

Fantasy Book Review: Mirrorscape by Mike Wilks

When Mel becomes an apprentice to a master painter, he discovers not only two good friends – Wren and Ludo – but the secret world of the Mirrorscape. A world that mirrors the painting’s canvas, where strange people, fantastical inventions and dangerous creatures come to life. A world where swivel-headed butlers fight in houses with legs, and pyramid mazes reverse time. Mel and his friends must now prepare for a battle where the humble paintbrush is a deadly weapon…

Read the full review of Mirrorscape by Mike Wilks

Mirrorscape is a novel that will definitely stay in the mind long after being read; a colourful and energetic read though at almost six hundred pages perhaps a little too long. It also seems a shame that Wilks did not illustrate the novel himself as this could really have helped to bring the narrative further to life.

Mike Wilks has had eight books of illustration work published, two of which were bestsellers, including The Ultimate Alphabet, which was in the Sunday Times bestseller chart for 57 weeks, sold 750,000 copies worldwide. The BBC made an award-winning documentary about his work in the early 90s and there have been four one-man exhibitions of his work. As well as being bought by collectors across Europe and the US (Sir Tim Rice is among his many fans), his work has been acquired by the V & A in London and by the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Mike lives in London and has been creating the world of Mirrorscape for a number of years.

Posted: June 7th, 2009
Author: Lee
Categories: Children's Fantasy Books, Fantasy Book Review

Winners of the Red House Children’s Book Award 2009

Former journalist and editor Sophie McKenzie has scooped the overall prize in the prestigious Red House Children’s Book Award 2009 for her thrilling teen novel, Blood Ties.

The award is regarded as the most important children’s prize for literature because it is the only award voted for solely by young readers. Previous winners of the award include JK Rowling, Michael Morpurgo, Roald Dahl, Jacqueline Wilson and Malorie Blackman.

Blood Ties (Simon and Schuster) won both the older readers’ category and overall prizes in the award, which is owned and coordinated by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups. Other titles shortlisted for the award included Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior by Chris Bradford and Broken Soup by Jenny Valentine

The winning novel is a gripping thriller that explores issues of genetic engineering and personal identity. Tightly plotted, readers said they empathised with the teenage characters Rachel and Theo who struggle with their sense of identity. The fast-paced novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the protagonists race to survive against the odds.

Two other category winners in the 29^th annual award are also announced today: Allan Ahlberg’s beautiful picture book The Pencil, illustrated by Bruce Ingman, has taken the younger children category, while Kes Gray’s fun story, Daisy and the Trouble with Zoos has clinched the younger readers’ category.

An incredible 143,295 votes were cast by children and young adults all over the UK both online and through ballots collated by regional coordinators of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups.

Thousands of children from schools, libraries and nurseries spent 18 months devouring 838 titles to find the shortlisted ten books, four in the category for books for younger children, and three each in the younger readers’ and older readers’ categories.

Announcing the winners, Sinead Kromer, national coordinator for the RHCBA, said: “The Red House Children’s Book Award is the only award that truly values the opinion of children and empowers them to make the decisions that collectively decide the winners. If you look back over the winners of the past 28 years most of them have become bestsellers and even modern classics. The children know what they like and know what they want to read. And it is children who have chosen the winners. The names of the winners are a closely guarded secret until the envelope is opened, the winners announced, the whistles blown, the poppers explode and the hall bursts into applause. It is an experience the children will remember for a very long time!”

Seni Glaister, CEO of Red House, said: “Congratulations to all the winners of the award, especially overall winner Sophie McKenzie whose exciting thriller Blood Ties has gripped children around the UK.”

For more information, visit www.redhousechildrensbookaward.co.uk

Posted: June 6th, 2009
Author: Floresiensis
Categories: Children's Fantasy Books, JK Rowling, Michael Morpurgo

Special children’s podcast to feature Julia Donaldson

Children’s storybook favourites will come to life for families all over Gloucestershire as a special podcast is launched.

To tie in with the National Family Week festivities, Gloucestershire County Council’s Director of Children’s Services, Jo Davidson, has read out two popular stories that can now be downloaded from www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/NFW_podcasts.

The two books that feature in the podcast are ‘Peace at Last’ by Jill Murphy and ‘Room on the Broom’ by Julia Donaldson. These are ideal stories for a fun, family story time and can be downloaded on to a PC or iPod.

There are four other stories also available on the website that were launched as part of the National Year of Reading celebrations in 2008. These are ‘The Dog That Dug’ by Jonathan Long, ‘Edward the Emu’ and ‘Edwina the Emu’ by Sheena Knowles and ‘Down The Back Of The Chair’ by Margaret Mahy. For these stories, go to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/podcast

National Family Week is a new date in the calendar this year. It runs from May 25th to May 31st and aims to celebrate family life in Britain. Hundreds of events and activities will encourage families to play, learn, eat, read, compete and, most importantly, spend quality time, together.

Source: Stroud News & Journal

Posted: June 2nd, 2009
Author: Floresiensis
Categories: Audio-books, Children's Fantasy Books, Julia Donaldson

Siobhan Dowd wins Children’s Book of the Year Award

A novel by the late Siobhan Dowd has been named as the Bisto Children’s Book of the Year by Children’s Books Ireland.

Dowd’s Bog Child, published by David Fickling Books and described by Children’s Books Ireland as “radiant prose that sings of the pain and beauty of the human condition”, beat other well-known authors such as Roddy Doyle (Her Mother’s Face) and Eoin Colfer (Airman) to win the award.

Bog Child, which tells the story of a young boy who discovers a body of child preserved in a bog and begins to dream about its past, was completed just a few months before Dowd died of cancer in August 2007, aged 47.

This is the second year running that Dowd, born to Irish parents and brought up in London, has been posthumously awarded the Bisto Children’s Book of the Year prize. She won the award in 2008 for The London Eye Mystery.

Source: Business & Leadership

Posted: May 31st, 2009
Author: Floresiensis
Categories: Children's Fantasy Books