About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the complicated mix of love, resentment, and responsibility that comes with a new sibling or a parent's absence. Maurice Sendak's dreamlike masterpiece explores the 'shadow side' of childhood: the feeling of being overwhelmed by duties you didn't ask for. It follows young Ida, who must rescue her baby sister from goblins after her own inattention allows them to snatch the infant away. While the imagery is surreal and slightly eerie, the book provides a safe, metaphorical space for children ages 4 to 9 to process heavy emotions like sibling jealousy and the pressure to 'be the big kid.' It is an ideal choice for validating a child's inner world, offering comfort by showing that even when we make mistakes or feel resentful, we have the inner strength and creativity to set things right and protect those we love.
