Where the Wild things are
Let the Wild Rumpus begin! Written by Maurice Sendak in 1963, this book has stood the test of time. It is a great way to introduce and talk about fantasy and reality, getting into trouble, and dreams and nightmares. We always end the reading of this book by turning on some dance music and having a wild rumpus. And no rumpus is complete without a cool pair of Wild Thing shoes!
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak is a book that has captured the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike for generations.
The story follows Max, a young boy who, after misbehaving, is sent to his room without supper. In his room, Max’s imagination runs wild, and he embarks on a journey to a far-off land inhabited by wild creatures known as the “Wild Things.” Max becomes the king of the Wild Things and enjoys his newfound freedom and power. However, he soon realizes that being a king isn’t as easy as he thought it would be, and he yearns for the comfort and love of his home.
The book’s themes of imagination, adventure, and the importance of family and love are timeless and resonate with readers of all ages. The vivid illustrations and poetic prose of Maurice Sendak create a world that is both magical and relatable, making “Where the Wild Things Are” a classic that will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.
Did you know that the book was supposed to be called “the land of the wild horses”? However, Sendak realized he wasn’t really good at drawing horses! He resorted to some silly drawings he did of his family in his youth. So don’t be discouraged in channeling your inner artist.
These shoes are great to wear if you are celebrating “National Read a Book” day on September 6th or “National Tell a Story Day” on April 27th. Check out fun days to celebrate here.
How to make your own Wild Thing Shoes.
You know when you search for a really good steak dinner recipe on Pinterest, you click on the best-looking picture to get the recipe and they leave out a bunch of steps? Yeah, that’s how I cook and also how I paint. I view painting as messy and fun, it is my creative outlet. So here are your really crappy directions:
Step 1: To begin with, you will need some plain black canvas shoes. Keds, Toms, or Vans work well. The Walmart knockoff ones are ok however, they are not as comfortable. Mine are leftovers from when my bestie/sister-in-law went to a New Kids on the Block concert and needed to rock our retro 90s outfits. I was getting ready to trash my fake Keds but decided to paint them instead.
Step 2: Next, find a design, a quick look around Pinterest, and I found a few that matched my abilities. WooHoo! Hand Painted shoes are expensive! Too bad, I only make creations for myself.
Step 3: Now you are ready to plan out your design using a pencil or some sidewalk chalk or a fancy chalk pencil that gives you a nice fine line. You don’t need to add much detail, just the basic shapes checking for size, proportion, and fitting.
Step 4: Finally, gather your paints, brushes, newspaper, and waterproof sealer and get started.
Tips I learned after I painted my shoes.
If these become your new favorite shoes you will want to spray them with a waterproof sealer. My plan is to wear them once a year for the letter W so, I didn’t do that.
How NOT to have the paint crack: don’t use thick or cheap paint, don’t water down the paint, and don’t apply paint to a stretchy fabric.
Add some inserts for comfort. My feet were sore after walking in these shoes all day.
In conclusion, “Where the Wild Things Are” is a literary masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The universal themes and imaginative storytelling make it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good adventure. So let your imagination run wild and join Max on his journey to where the wild things are.
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