Wild Things: The Joy of Reading Children's Literature as an Adult

ISBN: 1451609957

Author: Handy, Bruce

Condition: New

An irresistible, nostalgic, insightful-and totally original-ramble through classic childrens literature from Vanity Fair contributing editor (and father) Bruce Handy.Consistently intelligent and funnyThe book succeeds wonderfully. -The New York Times Book ReviewA delightful excursionEngaging and full of genuine feeling. -The Wall Street JournalPure pleasure. -Vanity FairWitty and engagingDeeply satisfying. -Christian Science MonitorIn 1690, the dour New England Primer, thought to be the first American childrens book, was published in Boston. Offering children gems of advice such as Strive to learn and Be not a dunce, it was no fun at all. So how did we get from there to Let the wild rumpus start? And now that were living in a golden age of childrens literature, what can adults get out of reading Where the Wild Things Are and Goodnight Moon, or Charlottes Web and Little House on the Prairie?In Wild Things, Bruce Handy revisits the classics of American childhood, from fairy tales to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and explores the backstories of their creators, using context and biography to understand how some of the most insightful, creative, and witty authors and illustrators of their times created their often deeply personal masterpieces. Along the way, Handy learns what The Cat in the Hat says about anarchy and absentee parenting, which themes link The Runaway Bunny and Portnoys Complaint, and why Ramona Quimby is as true an American icon as Tom Sawyer or Jay Gatsby. Its a profound, eye-opening experience to reencounter books that you once treasured after decades apart. A clear-eyed love letter to the greatest childrens books and authors, from Louisa May Alcott and L. Frank Baum to Eric Carle, Dr. Seuss, Mildred D. Taylor, and E.B. White, Wild Things will bring back fond memories for readers of all ages, along with a few surprises.