Where the Wild Things Are has long been a favorite of mine - both as a kid and then again as a mom. We eagerly anticipated the opening of the movie and were so greatly disappointed - IF ONLY I had read this FIRST! This novel gives all the "background" that the movie assumed you knew and understood, and all the "behind the scenes" stuff that a children's picture book could never convey. If you fit into that category of being huge fan of Sendak's creation and completely bewildered by the film - read this book! Or if you are just looking for a great fantasy that truly captures an 8 year old boy's imagination (although there a few times that I think Max is capable of more than many 8 year olds would be), you will enjoy it too.