Maurice Sendak's 1963 monster classic Where the Wild Things Are is one of America's most adored children's stories, treasured for its dark, imaginative undertones and emotional realism. Now, for the first time in 30 years, Sendak has a new book out. Bumble-Ardy tells the story of a rebellious, under-parented pig who throws himself a wild party for his ninth birthday. Some are thrilled that Sendak, at age 83, has put out a new book in his unique style, but others say that Bumble-Ardy, which features a visit from the Grim Reaper, is just too scary for children. One Amazon reviewer calls it a "disturbing book in so many ways." Has Sendak gotten too dark and wild for kids?
This book is awfully menacing for youngsters: "Bumble-Ardy won't give children nightmares, but its violent undertones and pervading theme of disappointment" are more appropriate for adults than young kids, says Stephan Lee at Entertainment Weekly. Sure, Sendak isn't known for his sunny stories, "but this one lacks the redeeming spirit of adventure that infused every page of Wild Things." The illustrations are also pretty edgy, depicting "decidedly uncute… perversely ugly" characters.
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