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My children enjoyed this book and when I saw there was an anniversary edition out, I wanted my grandchildren to enjoy it too.
When I asked him what he wanted for his son for Christmas, he said Mom, "Please get him "In the Night Kitchen." I can't think of a better way to tell anyone that my children enjoyed this book and I'm sure your's will, too. I read this book to my sons when they were very little. Now, my son has one of his own and he is only 1 1/2 years old.
We had to read it three times straight the first night, so, hey, who's to say. This is one STRANGE book, but my 4 yr old LOVES it.
So this book has gone bye-bye from our house. I saw the reviews saying that the little boy being naked was bothersome to some people. My daughter is well aware of what the body parts are--and she kept commenting on his. He is, after all, a very small child.
I know the author has won awards and all, but this book is just too weird. Too annoying to read anymore. I don't think she paid attention to anything about the story because she was so engrossed in the illustration - just that one. The story is nothing but strange.
BUT - it becomes bothersome (ANNOYING) when your small child keeps commenting on it. There are so many better books out there. Fantasy is ok - but this isn't even entertaining or educational fantasy. I really didn't think much about it.
This is an adult reaction of not fully understanding the book. What does it all mean. 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.
(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. Does it mean anything. I find myself analyzing both books each time.
This is all time favorite for my daughter from about 2-5 and now my 3 yr old son. Kids can totally accept not understanding the book and enjoy it on a totally different level of perception. I get a kick out of trying to interpret what may be symbolism or just wacky imaginative-ness.
Some reviewers found the dream-like (and frankly strange) story line to be "creepy" and "scary" as with other Sendak classics. I don't fully understand the book myself, but that's ok.
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