One thing about fantasy novels, authors tend to write series rather than stand alone novels, perhaps because the worlds are so painstakingly crafted that it seems a shame to spend all this time on just one story. But what about picture books?
As a child reader I was extremely literal, preferring realistic fiction. So when I was the target age for picture books, I really didn't understand the appeal of Maurice Sendack's Where the Wild Things Are. Now as an adult, I have a real appreciation for the fun romping text and the whimsical-scary details of every monster. At the center of all the chaos is the boy protagonist Max, of the real human world.
Since picture books are traditionally popular in illustrating the single fairy tale, Max's journey is unique as it is an original fantasy featuring Stranger in the Strangest Land. After misbehaving in his wolf suit, Max is sent to bed without supper. His home is clearly based in the real world, but as his imagination grows, he literally crosses the border of a vast ocean into the jungle where The Wild Things reside.
What is striking is the symmetry of the overall layout design that so closely mirrors the emotional and physical journey of wild Max. The pictures grow as his imagination and wildness grows into the 6 page rumpus spread consisting of all pictures and no words. When Max says "No" and decides not to remain in the jungle, the pictures shrink as he sails back home and finds supper that was "still warm."
Can you recommend any other Stranger in the Strangest Land fantasy travels illustrated in picture book format?
As a child reader I was extremely literal, preferring realistic fiction. So when I was the target age for picture books, I really didn't understand the appeal of Maurice Sendack's Where the Wild Things Are. Now as an adult, I have a real appreciation for the fun romping text and the whimsical-scary details of every monster. At the center of all the chaos is the boy protagonist Max, of the real human world.
Since picture books are traditionally popular in illustrating the single fairy tale, Max's journey is unique as it is an original fantasy featuring Stranger in the Strangest Land. After misbehaving in his wolf suit, Max is sent to bed without supper. His home is clearly based in the real world, but as his imagination grows, he literally crosses the border of a vast ocean into the jungle where The Wild Things reside.
What is striking is the symmetry of the overall layout design that so closely mirrors the emotional and physical journey of wild Max. The pictures grow as his imagination and wildness grows into the 6 page rumpus spread consisting of all pictures and no words. When Max says "No" and decides not to remain in the jungle, the pictures shrink as he sails back home and finds supper that was "still warm."
Can you recommend any other Stranger in the Strangest Land fantasy travels illustrated in picture book format?
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