Wild Things

The Joy of Reading Children's Literature as an Adult

By: Bruce Handy

Narrated by: Bruce Handy

In 1690, the dour New England Primer, thought to be the first American children's 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 we're living in a golden age of children's literature, what can adults get out of reading Where the Wild Things Are and Goodnight Moon or Charlotte's Web and Little House on the Prairie?

In Wild Things, Vanity Fair contributing editor Bruce Handy revisits the classics of every American childhood, from fairy tales to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and explores the back stories 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 are shared by The Runaway Bunny and Portnoy's Complaint, and why Ramona Quimby is as true an American icon as Tom Sawyer or Jay Gatsby.

©2017 Bruce Handy (P)2017 HighBridge, a Division of Recorded Books

A great book for all who write and enjoy children’s literature.

The book contains interesting backstories of beloved works and their authors and reminds us how important these works, loved by children and adults alike, really are.

Encore! Encore!

I loved every single minute of this book. Wish it could have gone on & on, exploring more & more authors. Thank you!