Where the Mild Things Are: A Very Meek Parody

by Maurice Send-Up

Summary: When his monster parents become angry with him for being so mild, Mog is transported to Dullsville, a place so boring that Mog heads back home to his parents and promises never to be mild
again.

This an amusing parody of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Although its intended audience is 4-8 years old, I think only an adult who heard this as a child can truly appreciate it. Adult readers will be able to clearly identify the citizens in Dullsville as parodies of celebrities. This book is “Winner of the Cheap Gold Sticker” award, clearly mocking the prestigious Caldecott Award that Maurice Sendak won for Where the Wild Things Are. I think this book will mostly be enjoyed by librarians, school teachers, and other adults involved with children’s literature, although it may be used with older students to discuss what a parody is.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 3