A true classic. The title, phrases such as “let the wild rumpus start”, and the images have become part of the American consciousness. This book is as essential a part of a child’s library as is ‘Goodnight Moon’ or ‘The Cat in the Hat’.
The theme of an angry child who wishes to run away but then returns, seeking the solace of home and a warm bed, is apt for children leaving toddler-hood.
My kids were scared of this book at first and it took a lot of convincing to read it. After they saw the twist ending however, they asked for it over and over, proud that they had conquered their fear. A classic.
An interesting dynamic occurs after the first few pages, when Grover begins begging the reader to not turn the page. Sometimes the kids think we shouldn’t turn the page and just put the book down, honoring Grover’s wishes. And other times they gleefully demand we turn the page even though we’re being asked not to. This gives the kids some agency and a sense of violating the rules, in a harmless way.
This is a fun one to read aloud because Grover gets so emotional and worked up over the course of the story.
