It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
The Wild Things

The Wild Things

Summary

The Wild Things by Dave Eggers is the novelisation of Maurice Sendak's classic

Max likes to make noise, get dirty, ride his bike without a helmet and howl like a wolf. In any other age he would have just been considered a boy. These days he is considered wilful and deranged.

After a row with his mother, Max runs away. He jumps into a boat and sails across the ocean to a strange island where giant and destructive beasts reign - the Wild Things. After almost being eaten, Max gains their trust, and he is made their king. But what will he do with the responsibility?

'A life-affirming delight' GQ

'Compelling, fantastical, engrossing' Shortlist

'Let the wild rumpus start!' Grazia

About the author

Dave Eggers

Dave Eggers is the author of many acclaimed books, including The Circle; What is the What and Zeitoun.

He is the founder of the publishing house and magazine McSweeney's and the cofounder of 826 Valencia, a youth writing center that has inspired similar programs around the world.

His work has been translated into forty-two languages.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more