I loved Where the Wild Things Are when I was growing up {didn't you?}, and revelled in studying it during my university years as a children's lit major. I even had a t-shirt from my boyfriend's fraternity with "Let the wild rumpus start!" written across the back that I wore regularly. I wish I still had it. I'd have worn it today.
The pictures in Where the Wild Things Are are marvellous and the story so simple. It's no wonder that it often holds the top spot on so many lists of the best picture books of all time.
Today, to commemorate the life of its beloved author and illustrator {who passed away this morning}, I shared it with the classes that came through the library. We read about the the wild rumpus, coloured pictures of Max and the wild things, and talked about how long the book has been around {"Mrs Pugh! It's even older than you!"} Then I showed them Maurice Sendak's other books and we looked at all the amazing illustrations in them. We talked about the Caldecott Medal. And I let the kids hold my stuffed wild thing, the one I got as a gift when I graduated from UVic with my Bachelor of Education. It was a great library day. I love being an elementary school librarian, getting to share my enthusiasm for books with so many kids. And now the pressure is on to love it even more, to make the most of the next 8 weeks.
Why? Because soon I won't be a librarian anymore. I found out last week that, after 6 1/2 years, my last day in the library will be June 29th. It will be good {and challenging} to be back in the classroom full-time I'm sure, but that's not until the fall. Right now, I'm still getting used to the idea of leaving my library behind. And I have to confess, I'm feeling a little bit heartbroken about it.
Oh my goodness leaving the library?! Imagine the new adventures you will have though. Do you know what class you will be teaching.
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations are amazing, what a wonderful imagination.
Looks like I'll probably be teaching Grade 1. It'll be a wild rumpus!
DeleteI'm sure you will still be in there often! Also you'll have your banner in your own room xx
ReplyDeleteTrue! My banner will look fabulous in my new classroom. I imagine I'll be spending a lot of time there this summer, getting ready for the new school year...
DeleteLeaving the library - holy what a change but it will be such a fun new challenge and you could probably have a mini library in your classroom!
ReplyDeleteTrue, Kelly. And a lot of the fantastic decor in the library belongs to me, so it will be coming with me... My classroom will be full of books and pretty posters. It'll be okay. I just need some time to adjust!
DeleteSo sorry you won't be in the library any more. :( But your students in your new class room will be so lucky to have you for a teacher. But that doesn't change the sting of losing what you have enjoyed for the last 6 1/2 years.
ReplyDeleteWTWTA is such a timeless book! I remember loving it as a child, and I'm sure my kids will too!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your heart is heavy about this change. Hopefully with this closing door a window will be opening somewhere :)
oh wow, what an adventure! I know you'll bring that genuine heart of yours from the library into your full-time classroom.
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