There is something "wild" going on in theaters this week... Perhaps you've noticed? The award winning children's book
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, has been adapted for the big screen and opened nationwide last weekend. For librarians and booklovers, Sendak's
Where The Wild Things Are is a childhood classic. But would it make it as a feature film? I've been waiting in anticipation...
As luck would have it, this librarian had the exciting opportunity to attend a private screening of the movie in New York City last week. Director Spike Jonze, screenwriter and author Dave Eggers, cast members Max Records (who plays Max), Catherine Keener, and comedian John Hodgeman were all there. Fellow children's librarian (from the
Huntington Public Library), Laura and I, were "wild" with excitment as we got to participate in a Q & A and had the chance to meet these creative and talented people in person. It was a star studded event!
The movie version of
Where The Wild Things Are did not disappoint. It was as visually spectacular and as emotionally rich as the book. Many recent reviews have suggested that the movie might not be appropriate for kids due to it's scary and dark undertone. The irony is that many reviewers felt the same way about the book when it was released in 1963, yet here it is, a long time favorite. I will say this...this movie is not fluff. It is deeply moving and wild with adventure. Mischievious Max is a real kid who expresses real feelings. But rest assured, like his written counterpart, Max eventually comes home again.
Posted by Nadine
"This is the tale of Felicity Floo, who wiped her wet nose without a tissue..." reads the jacket flap description of the newly (and timely) released E.S. Redmond book Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo. Aside from the gorgeously whimsical illustrations, Felicity Floo tells the hilarious tale of just what might have happened to the animals when a (clearly sick) young girl visits the petting zoo. Leaving her green icky handprints on every page, Redmond's keen use of rhyme and rhythm keep this story moving fast. Not only is it a fun story full of laughs, but it's a good reminder to kids (and adults alike) that flu season is upon us and... cough!....achoo!...we can all learn a little bit from Felicity Floo.
