When I heard that children’s author Maurice Sendak, 83, died last month, I instantly scooped up a copy of Where the Wild Things Are to read to my son. But first I closely reread the book myself — this time from the perspective of a mother, as opposed to a child.
Growing up I could never quite wrap my brain around one particular line in Wild Things: “We’ll eat you up – we love you so!” Wait, what? If they love him, why the heck would they want to eat him?
But now that I have a son of my own who I resist the urge to “eat up” daily, I totally get it!
Rest in peace Mr. Sendak. Your book was a vital ingredient in my childhood and will continue to flavor many children’s lives!
Big Doodle Head 