Families who loved Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is in the midst of a 'wild' day, struggling with big feelings of anger, defiance, or the frustration of being told 'no.' It is the ultimate tool for validating a child's inner fire while providing a bridge back to the safety of home. The story follows Max, a boy in a wolf suit sent to bed without supper, who journeys in his imagination to an island of monsters where he becomes king. Through Max's adventure, children see that anger is a natural part of growing up, but it doesn't have to be permanent or scary. The 'Wild Things' represent those scary, roaring emotions that every child feels. By the end, Max chooses to leave his 'wild' side to return to the warmth of his mother's love. It is a masterpiece of emotional regulation that reassures children they are loved even when they are at their most difficult.