“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak has become a classic, soon to be pop culture icon with the

upcoming release of the major motion picture version of the story.

First published in 1963, the book won the Caldecott Medal as the “Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year” a

year later. Over the past few years, Urban Outfitters brought the book back into our grown up hearts by selling

home decor and clothing items displaying its front page image.

The memorable illustrations have been recognized as the reason for the books popularity and cult like following.

Though the plot of the book and images are based on fantasy, the real consequences of the main character Max

make the reality in the story relatable to children and parents alike.

In the story, Max gets up to some mischeif  in his wolf suit which restults in a scolding from his mother where she

calls him a “Wild Thing” andsends him to bed without any supper.

Rather than going to sleep as instructed, Max’s imagination transforms his bedroom into an extraordinary space, with

a forest, an ocean, a little boat and a land full of “wild things.”

The images in the book make the “wild things” look quite fierce, but Max is able to tame them and is soon made into

their king.

Eventually, Max decides he misses his mother and sails back to his own room where he finds his supper

waiting for him. If you have not yet introduced this book to your child, now is the time to do it

(as long as they are 3+). You can easily find Where The Wild Things Are at your local bookstore.

You can also re-visit your own memories of the book from November 27 – January 3 in London, where the

Illustration Cupboard will be showcasing the wonderful artwork found in “Where the Wild Things Are” in

a free exhibition for illustration fans.

What: Illustration Cupboard Winter Exhibition

Where: The Illustration Cupboard, 22 Bury St, London, SW1Y 6AL, 020 7976 1727, http://www.illustrationcupboard.com

When: November 27 – January 30, Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and Sat 12noon-5pm

Price: FREE

About: An exhibition for illustration fans that includes contemporary book illustrations as well as upcoming talents.

PAINT THE TOWN

What: Painting with Polaroids

Where: Pump House Gallery, Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ, 020 7350 0523, http://www.pumphousegallery.org.uk

When: November 29, 1:30pm-3:30pm

Price: FREE

About: For age’s 3+, arts and craft workshop looking at the links between painting and photography.

START SHOPPING

What: Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair

Where: 66 Royal Hospital Rd., SW3 4HS, 020 7352 5646, http://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/Fairs/fair.htm

When: Sunday 29th November 2009, 10:00am-4:00pm

Price: Adults £5.00, Children Free

About: As Chelsea Physic Garden main fundraising event, the Christmas fair transforms itself into a Christmas

village with a large selection of stalls selling everything you need from home-made wreaths to Christmas cards.

There will also be a wide variety of events for families and the garden will be open for exploration through a free

guided tour.

SEE A SHOW

What: Christmas Baking

Where: Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St., W6 0QL, 08712 211729

http://www.lyric.co.uk/pl512.html

When: November 27 – January 3

Price: £8.00 for children, family ticket £24.00 for 4 Seats

About: Fun and friendly bakers battle through flour snowstorms, forests of breadstick trees and jagged

mountains of crust. Food fun for kids aged 3-6.

PET A REINDEER

What: Live Reindeer Petting

Where: Covent Garden, West Piazza

http://www.lyric.co.uk/pl512.html

When: Every Saturday, November 29 – December 21

Price: FREE

About: From a giant Christmas tree to reindeer petting, interactive workshops and kids stories told by candlelight.

Covent Garden is sure to get you and your kiddie s in the Christmas mood this season!