In the Night Kitchen (Caldecott Collection) by Maurice Sendak
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Book Reviews of In the Night Kitchen (Caldecott Collection)
Book Review: My son loves it!
Summary: 5 Stars
I discovered this book by accident a few months ago, and picked it up when I noticed that it was a Caldecott Honor Medal winner. I read through it and found it confusing, yet interesting. My three-year-old goes through 2-3 week periods in which he has a favorite story that must be read every night at the end of our reading time. Lately, it's been "Where the Wild Things Are." So, tonight, I decided to begin the evening with "In the Night Kitchen." My son was transfixed by this story. He immediately wanted me to read it again. To the logical, adult mind it makes no sense. It didn't surprise me at all to read that previous reviewers were reminded of a drug trip. But from my child's point of view, it was a fantastic story. His eyes never left the pages, and he frequently nodded or exclaimed, wide-eyed, with mouth open. I found the rythym and cadence of the words, and it flowed very well.
If you find the book odd, just think of the words to the countless nursery rhymes that you've recited and loved so many times over the years. There are quite a few that make no sense at all! At least, not to grownups:)
Book Review: Great book, despite the 'nekkid' boy (pssst, the book is for your KIDS, not their prude Nazi parents)
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the book because my son is always fascinated by stories that are a bit out of the ordinary and lend a lot to the imagination (Where The Wild Things Are, Moondog, Harold And The Purple Crayon, Dr. Seuss, etc.). He is 4, and believe me, my son is seriously no prude. Sometimes I'm embarrassed by that, but whatever. The story is a bit odd, and I'm not sure that I get it, but I'm not reviewing the book how I see it (parents, you get THAT?), but by my son suggesting it every night at bed time. I enjoy the imagery, the artwork is pretty amazing. There is really not much of a story, more of a bit of words accompanying a great picture book. As far as the 'nekkid' kid (as the rednecks seem to refer to it as), it's pretty harmless unless you are from another planet. You can plainly see that it's a boy, and even my son laughed at it the first time and said 'Daddy, that's me!' If you like the other books that I mentioned, and you don't go to a church where you have to hold snakes (believe it or not, I'm a practicing Baptist), then this is a great book for your collection.Book Review: Yes, it's a classic!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book came out when I was three years old, although I think I was a little older when I read it, maybe five or six. And I can PROMISE you I was not scared by the bakers or shocked by the nudity or confused about it being real. I liked it almost as much, or maybe even as much, as "Where the Wild Things Are." I loved the artwork, and I loved the bakers' chant, "Milk in the batter, milk in the batter! We bake cake, and nothing's the matter!"
As an adult, I can see that a lot of the appeal about it was that Mickey was having a bad dream and he took control of it and escaped. I think that's something every kid wants to know how to do. And Mickey's triumphant exit line, "I'm not the milk and the milk's not me - I'm Mickey!" had a definite "be who you are, not what other people want" message. Apparently Sendak said the only reason Mickey is naked is to avoid drawing the mess of batter-soaked clothes, but I think it also adds to the message of standing up for who and what you are.
Book Review: Strange and magical
Summary: 5 Stars
This is all time favorite for my daughter from about 2-5 and now my 3 yr old son. I can't even put my finger on exactly what both my young children adored about this book, but it certainly resonated with them on some deep level. Some reviewers found the dream-like (and frankly strange) story line to be "creepy" and "scary" as with other Sendak classics. This is an adult reaction of not fully understanding the book. I don't fully understand the book myself, but that's ok. Kids can totally accept not understanding the book and enjoy it on a totally different level of perception. (So much they don't understand anyway that that in and of itself was not scary in the least for my kids- they found it magical).
My son wants to read "Mickey" as well as Outside Over There, frequently at bedtime. I find myself analyzing both books each time. What does it all mean? Does it mean anything? I get a kick out of trying to interpret what may be symbolism or just wacky imaginative-ness.
Book Review: An excellent example of good children's literature
Summary: 5 Stars
In the Night Kitchen was given as a gift to my children, by a friend of the family. I vaguely remember the book from my own childhood. My youngest was thrilled with the book (8 year old) and it has become a favourite.
Night Kitchen certainly contains some nonsense verse, chanting and fantasy and anyone who has studied children's literature will know that all of these elements have an honoured place within children's literature.
My 8 year old loved the illustrations, thought the bakers were funny and liked when Mickey fell into the batter.
In the Night Kitchen is very good children's literature. When you read it to your kids you will see why the author has won so many awards. Not only is this a nice book to own, but a great book to give to friends. It falls into the "richly illustrated yet reasonably priced range" that I like when I want just something little to take to a friend's child when you are dropping in for a visit.