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In the Night Kitchen
Sendak's hero Mickey falls through the dark into the Night Kitchen where three fat bakers are making the morning cake. So begins an intoxicating dream fantasy, described by the artist himself as 'a fantasy ten feet deep in reality'.
40 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
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6866 people want to read
About the author
Maurice Sendak
235 books2,307 followersMaurice Sendak was a visionary American illustrator and writer best known for transforming the landscape of children's literature through his emotionally resonant stories and distinctive artistic style. He gained international acclaim with Where the Wild Things Are, a groundbreaking picture book that captured the emotional intensity of childhood through its honest portrayal of anger, imagination, and longing. Widely recognized for his ability to blend the whimsical with the profound, Sendak created works that resonated with both children and adults, challenging conventional notions of what children's books could be.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Sendak was a sickly child who spent much of his early life indoors, nurturing a love for books, drawing, and storytelling. The son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, he was deeply affected by the losses of the Holocaust, which shaped the darker emotional undercurrents in his work. His art was influenced by a range of sources, from comic strips and Mickey Mouse to Mozart, Blake, and German Romanticism. Though he began his career illustrating other writers’ books, he soon transitioned to authoring his own, beginning with Kenny’s Window and then The Sign on Rosie’s Door.
It was Where the Wild Things Are, published in 1963, that solidified Sendak’s reputation as a master of children’s literature. The book, which won the Caldecott Medal, was initially controversial due to its depiction of unruly behavior and ambiguous emotional tone. However, it was later recognized as a revolutionary work that respected children’s inner lives and psychological complexity. This theme continued in his later works, including In the Night Kitchen and Outside Over There, which formed a loose trilogy exploring the emotional and imaginative experiences of childhood. These books, celebrated for their dreamlike narratives and lush illustrations, often tackled fears, fantasies, and the challenges of growing up.
Throughout his career, Sendak illustrated more than a hundred books, working with authors such as Ruth Krauss and Else Holmelund Minarik. His visual style—characterized by its intricate detail, dynamic line work, and expressive characters—evolved over the decades, but always retained an unmistakable emotional intensity. He also designed sets and costumes for operas and ballets, bringing his imaginative worlds to the stage. Notably, he created productions for works by Mozart and Prokofiev, combining his love of classical music with theatrical design.
Sendak was known for his sharp wit, fierce independence, and deep empathy for children. He openly criticized the sanitized and moralistic tone of much of children's publishing, insisting instead that young readers deserved stories that acknowledged their full emotional range, including fear, grief, anger, and wonder. He was also an openly gay man in a long-term relationship, though he only spoke publicly about his sexuality later in life.
Later in his career, Sendak continued to produce new work, collaborate with artists and institutions, and advocate for intellectual freedom. His final books, including Bumble-Ardy and My Brother’s Book, reflected both a return to his childhood memories and a meditation on aging, love, and mortality. Though his stories often ventured into the dark or surreal, they remained rooted in a deep respect for the emotional reality of children and a belief in the power of imagination to confront life's challenges.
Maurice Sendak’s legacy endures in the countless writers and illustrators he inspired, the cultural impact of his stories, and the enduring affection readers of all ages hold for his wild things, mischievous children, and tender monsters. Through his work, he redefined what children’s literature could be: rich, honest, haunting, and, above all, deeply human.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Sendak was a sickly child who spent much of his early life indoors, nurturing a love for books, drawing, and storytelling. The son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, he was deeply affected by the losses of the Holocaust, which shaped the darker emotional undercurrents in his work. His art was influenced by a range of sources, from comic strips and Mickey Mouse to Mozart, Blake, and German Romanticism. Though he began his career illustrating other writers’ books, he soon transitioned to authoring his own, beginning with Kenny’s Window and then The Sign on Rosie’s Door.
It was Where the Wild Things Are, published in 1963, that solidified Sendak’s reputation as a master of children’s literature. The book, which won the Caldecott Medal, was initially controversial due to its depiction of unruly behavior and ambiguous emotional tone. However, it was later recognized as a revolutionary work that respected children’s inner lives and psychological complexity. This theme continued in his later works, including In the Night Kitchen and Outside Over There, which formed a loose trilogy exploring the emotional and imaginative experiences of childhood. These books, celebrated for their dreamlike narratives and lush illustrations, often tackled fears, fantasies, and the challenges of growing up.
Throughout his career, Sendak illustrated more than a hundred books, working with authors such as Ruth Krauss and Else Holmelund Minarik. His visual style—characterized by its intricate detail, dynamic line work, and expressive characters—evolved over the decades, but always retained an unmistakable emotional intensity. He also designed sets and costumes for operas and ballets, bringing his imaginative worlds to the stage. Notably, he created productions for works by Mozart and Prokofiev, combining his love of classical music with theatrical design.
Sendak was known for his sharp wit, fierce independence, and deep empathy for children. He openly criticized the sanitized and moralistic tone of much of children's publishing, insisting instead that young readers deserved stories that acknowledged their full emotional range, including fear, grief, anger, and wonder. He was also an openly gay man in a long-term relationship, though he only spoke publicly about his sexuality later in life.
Later in his career, Sendak continued to produce new work, collaborate with artists and institutions, and advocate for intellectual freedom. His final books, including Bumble-Ardy and My Brother’s Book, reflected both a return to his childhood memories and a meditation on aging, love, and mortality. Though his stories often ventured into the dark or surreal, they remained rooted in a deep respect for the emotional reality of children and a belief in the power of imagination to confront life's challenges.
Maurice Sendak’s legacy endures in the countless writers and illustrators he inspired, the cultural impact of his stories, and the enduring affection readers of all ages hold for his wild things, mischievous children, and tender monsters. Through his work, he redefined what children’s literature could be: rich, honest, haunting, and, above all, deeply human.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,036 reviews
May 28, 2016
This is such a weird book, but my 3-year old can't get enough of it, constantly singing "Milk in the batter! Milk in the batter!" Why in the world was Mikey in the cake at all?
May 21, 2019
Well I read this as a child and although it is a nice enough dream sequence of a young boy who has probably gone to sleep thinking of food I found it very creepy. I found it weird that there were 3 Oliver Hardy's that look quite sinister in my opinion and I didn't like the style and colours of the illustrations. Having already found Outside Over There scary I found this one quite creepy too.
December 16, 2017
The Nephew asked to read this tonight. They found the pictures of the naked boy to giggle and laugh. Still they settled and enjoyed the story.
This reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. There is no plot, only nonsense. It is the perfect story that is like a dream. It's like we get to watch this whacked out dream this little boy is having. There is so little out there like this.
I still love this little story.
This reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. There is no plot, only nonsense. It is the perfect story that is like a dream. It's like we get to watch this whacked out dream this little boy is having. There is so little out there like this.
I still love this little story.
April 14, 2022
“…Y se hunde entre las sombras, y su ropa se pierde y la luna le mie mientras sus padres duermen y aterriza en la masa que había en la cocina?”
Homeschooling Spanish read.
First off I want to say this book was published in 1987, two years after I was born, so it is very old and dated. It was a weird book to read because Miguel falls into a cake mix in someone’s kitchen. He almost ends up in the oven and pops out in time. I forget to mention he is naked at this point and the illustrator illustrated his little boy penis. I guess it’s like seeing a little girl at the beach without a bikini top on. My kids weren’t bothered by the pictures because they are immature and giggled so I guess that’s good.
The illustrations weren’t beautiful but I think that’s what makes it more authentic. It was a weird storyline but, for us, it wasn’t awful. The bakers weren’t too weirded out by a naked child swimming in a giant milk bottle they only wanted to make the cake.
I wonder if the English translation would be more inappropriate…..?
Homeschooling Spanish read.
First off I want to say this book was published in 1987, two years after I was born, so it is very old and dated. It was a weird book to read because Miguel falls into a cake mix in someone’s kitchen. He almost ends up in the oven and pops out in time. I forget to mention he is naked at this point and the illustrator illustrated his little boy penis. I guess it’s like seeing a little girl at the beach without a bikini top on. My kids weren’t bothered by the pictures because they are immature and giggled so I guess that’s good.
The illustrations weren’t beautiful but I think that’s what makes it more authentic. It was a weird storyline but, for us, it wasn’t awful. The bakers weren’t too weirded out by a naked child swimming in a giant milk bottle they only wanted to make the cake.
I wonder if the English translation would be more inappropriate…..?
August 21, 2015
I very seldom rate the children's books I read but I made an exception for this one because of how I came to read this story. I am reading Voracious: A Hungry Reader Cooks Her Way through Great Books, and in this book she discusses books and their recipes and her story that plays into them. Anyway one of the books is this one and since I absolutely adore Where the Wild Things Are, and since she said that this is a highly contested book that yearly many want to ban. So that was enough made me want to pick it up and read it. I thought it was cute, the pictures were great. I guess those who want to ban it protest against the young boys nudity and his little parts being exposed. Loved the jolly bakers as well.
June 4, 2010
To the person (librarian, patron, library employee or hippopotamus) who censored this book: you are a jerk, and I hope you realize that scribbling ever so carefully over Mickey's private parts meant you focused more on them than anybody else who's going to read the book. Doesn't that make you the pervert?
Anyway: This book is wonderful. It made me wish I had read it aloud to somebody because there was so much rhythm in the text. Mickey's expressions are great. I can't wait to read this to my kids, but I'll buy a copy for myself. At least the bookstores want to make money, so they won't censor.
Anyway: This book is wonderful. It made me wish I had read it aloud to somebody because there was so much rhythm in the text. Mickey's expressions are great. I can't wait to read this to my kids, but I'll buy a copy for myself. At least the bookstores want to make money, so they won't censor.
March 25, 2023
Now truth be told, I certainly have never ever even remotely enjoyed Maurice Sendak's In the Night Kitchen nearly as much as his eternally and forever brilliant Where the Wild Things Are (which ranks as one of my favourite picture books of all time, period), and this is mostly because there is just not enough of a plot, of an actual storyline contained within In the Night Kitchen to fully satisfy me narrationally.
But be that as it may, I will still and very much gladly and with pleasure give In the Night Kitchen five glowing and well deserved stars. For one, Maurice Sendak's illustrations are simply wildly amusing and oh so much fun (and I do indeed very much appreciate that Mickey is depicted as being NAKED during his dream, as I also very very often used to dream of being naked as a young child, and really, I have also NEVER considered Mickey's nakedness as in any way all that special or even eye-catching, just basically and entirely natural and no huge and all encompassing deal). And for two, Mickey landing in a cake (and how he is depicted as being encased in batter) kind of nostalgically somewhat reminds me of Wilhelm Busch's 19th century classic Max und Moritz, where the two nasty little protagonists (or rather the antagonists) are also in one of the episodes baked in an oven whilst they are encased in batter and then eat themselves through the same in order to escape (and while I certainly do not in any way think that the Mickey being baked in a cake episode is in any way related to the Holocaust, I do notice and have observed that with In the Night Kitchen there does seem to be some rather obvious allusions by Maurice Sendak to German children's literature examples of kids being baked, of being encased in cake or bread batter, such as the above mentioned Wilhelm Busch story, and this sure does very much tickle my literary and cultural fancy).
However, I guess I have to admit that the real and most pressing reason why I have given Maurice Sendak's In the Night Kitchen five stars (for if I were to consider the book with regard to how much I actually have enjoyed the author's printed words, I would and should probably be giving a high three star ranking, for a fun dream, an often hilarious romp through Mickey's nighttime adventures, but not quite enough for me on a textual, on a plot level), the real and sadly annoying factoid and truth of the matter is that I am so frustratingly and angrily sick and tired of the fact that puritanical dictator types in especially the USA have repeatedly tried to (and often even succeeded) having In the Night Kitchen censored and removed from library shelves etc. (and mostly simply because little Mickey just happens to be naked during his dream) and that five stars is indeed the only reasonable and possible ranking for me, the only way to go. Now if you indeed and personally find In the Night Kitchen totally unacceptable due to Mickey's nudity, while I do very much consider this more than a trifle laughable and really quite majorly unhinged and sad, I would still albeit a bit grudgingly and with a growl in every way respect you not wanting to read the book (or not wanting to have your children read In the Night Kitchen). If on the other hand, you then also want to ban or censor In the Night Kitchen in ANY manner universally (if you want to prevent others from being able to read, from being allowed to choose to read In the Night Kitchen, if you want the book removed from classrooms, from libraries and the like), now that is where my tolerance absolutely and utterly ends, as ALL book banners are (and I cannot and will not state this in a less painful and condemning way) nothing but a bunch of goose stepping undemocratic morons and jerks; they are akin to the Nazis, to the Stalinists and so totally undemocratic that one can only call them dangerous and an absolute affront to personal freedom and choice (and if anyone feels offended by this attitude, I quite frankly do not care one bit at all).
But be that as it may, I will still and very much gladly and with pleasure give In the Night Kitchen five glowing and well deserved stars. For one, Maurice Sendak's illustrations are simply wildly amusing and oh so much fun (and I do indeed very much appreciate that Mickey is depicted as being NAKED during his dream, as I also very very often used to dream of being naked as a young child, and really, I have also NEVER considered Mickey's nakedness as in any way all that special or even eye-catching, just basically and entirely natural and no huge and all encompassing deal). And for two, Mickey landing in a cake (and how he is depicted as being encased in batter) kind of nostalgically somewhat reminds me of Wilhelm Busch's 19th century classic Max und Moritz, where the two nasty little protagonists (or rather the antagonists) are also in one of the episodes baked in an oven whilst they are encased in batter and then eat themselves through the same in order to escape (and while I certainly do not in any way think that the Mickey being baked in a cake episode is in any way related to the Holocaust, I do notice and have observed that with In the Night Kitchen there does seem to be some rather obvious allusions by Maurice Sendak to German children's literature examples of kids being baked, of being encased in cake or bread batter, such as the above mentioned Wilhelm Busch story, and this sure does very much tickle my literary and cultural fancy).
However, I guess I have to admit that the real and most pressing reason why I have given Maurice Sendak's In the Night Kitchen five stars (for if I were to consider the book with regard to how much I actually have enjoyed the author's printed words, I would and should probably be giving a high three star ranking, for a fun dream, an often hilarious romp through Mickey's nighttime adventures, but not quite enough for me on a textual, on a plot level), the real and sadly annoying factoid and truth of the matter is that I am so frustratingly and angrily sick and tired of the fact that puritanical dictator types in especially the USA have repeatedly tried to (and often even succeeded) having In the Night Kitchen censored and removed from library shelves etc. (and mostly simply because little Mickey just happens to be naked during his dream) and that five stars is indeed the only reasonable and possible ranking for me, the only way to go. Now if you indeed and personally find In the Night Kitchen totally unacceptable due to Mickey's nudity, while I do very much consider this more than a trifle laughable and really quite majorly unhinged and sad, I would still albeit a bit grudgingly and with a growl in every way respect you not wanting to read the book (or not wanting to have your children read In the Night Kitchen). If on the other hand, you then also want to ban or censor In the Night Kitchen in ANY manner universally (if you want to prevent others from being able to read, from being allowed to choose to read In the Night Kitchen, if you want the book removed from classrooms, from libraries and the like), now that is where my tolerance absolutely and utterly ends, as ALL book banners are (and I cannot and will not state this in a less painful and condemning way) nothing but a bunch of goose stepping undemocratic morons and jerks; they are akin to the Nazis, to the Stalinists and so totally undemocratic that one can only call them dangerous and an absolute affront to personal freedom and choice (and if anyone feels offended by this attitude, I quite frankly do not care one bit at all).
June 4, 2015
Uh, well, I tried to be grown-up and open-minded, but I (like some others) was a little surprised that Sendak would illustrate full frontal nudity. More than once. And of a child. So naked children are a bit more common in public than adults (whether intended or not). That still doesn't mean it's right. At least in this society. And in my opinion. So, I found it slightly unsettling, even in trying to put it in the context of a child's dream.
That aside, I didn't like the story either. The child being baked in a cake was even more disturbing than the illustrations. Perhaps this just isn't my kind of imagining, but I didn't like the boy's dreaming. And considering how much I've enjoyed some of Sendak's work, I was shocked to dislike this one as much as I do. Let me find one thing positive. Um...I guess kneading the bread into an airplane.
I haven't a clue who I would ever recommend this book to. Unless it's a child that had a nightmare they were going to be baked in a cake and have them read this book to help them get over that trauma.
That aside, I didn't like the story either. The child being baked in a cake was even more disturbing than the illustrations. Perhaps this just isn't my kind of imagining, but I didn't like the boy's dreaming. And considering how much I've enjoyed some of Sendak's work, I was shocked to dislike this one as much as I do. Let me find one thing positive. Um...I guess kneading the bread into an airplane.
I haven't a clue who I would ever recommend this book to. Unless it's a child that had a nightmare they were going to be baked in a cake and have them read this book to help them get over that trauma.
May 13, 2025
3.25 stars
This book doesn’t really make sense but it’s super fun. I read this when I was a kid and completely forgot about it until someone mentioned this was a favorite childhood book of theirs. The audiobook and reading a print version together makes it absolutely enjoyable. Definitely can see why it’s a childhood favorite for so many.
What surprised me was learning the history of how this book was controversial at its release. It’s a children’s book but the main character is naked in it, which was a big no no back then because adults couldn’t handle seeing a naked child with their children around. Thankfully the editor at the time stood her ground and defended the illustrator/author. I’m glad this book exists and look forward to reading it to my child.
This book doesn’t really make sense but it’s super fun. I read this when I was a kid and completely forgot about it until someone mentioned this was a favorite childhood book of theirs. The audiobook and reading a print version together makes it absolutely enjoyable. Definitely can see why it’s a childhood favorite for so many.
What surprised me was learning the history of how this book was controversial at its release. It’s a children’s book but the main character is naked in it, which was a big no no back then because adults couldn’t handle seeing a naked child with their children around. Thankfully the editor at the time stood her ground and defended the illustrator/author. I’m glad this book exists and look forward to reading it to my child.
May 9, 2012
Revised Review:
“In the Night Kitchen” is a follow-up of Maurice Sendak’s famous children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are” and has also received the distinguished Caldecott Honor Book Award. “In the Night Kitchen” is also one of the most controversial books in history due to many images of Mickey being naked during his dream trip to the Night Kitchen. This book details the adventures of a small boy named Mickey who journeys to the Night Kitchen and meets three unusual cooks and eventually saves the day for everyone who eats cake in the mornings. Maurice Sendak’s surreal storyline and creative illustrations makes this book an instant treat to read.
Maurice Sendak’s surreal story and even more creative and beautiful illustrations, combine effectively in this book as they both delightfully detail Mickey’s adventures in the Night Kitchen. First of all, the story is beautifully surreal as it takes place in a strange dream world where milk cartons and food jars take place as buildings and the three bakers, who are always smiling and speaking in lyrical prose, occupy the population of this strange world. Also, Mickey’s descent into the Night Kitchen is extremely bizarre as he seems like he is a ghost when he falls through the ceilings and the floor, which clearly indicates that this was all a dream. Maurice Sendak’s illustrations are as creative as they are beautiful. He illustrates the Night Kitchen as a colorful world where the sky is full of white stars and food labels on various jars and cartons provide a colorful background. I love the way that Maurice Sendak contrasts the Night Kitchen from Mickey’s world as Mickey’s house is mostly a brown and red color making it seem like a boring place to be, while the Night Kitchen is a colorful world and seems like a lively place to be at. Also, the three bakers in white are truly mind-blowing as they are portrayed as happy, moustache looking men in chubby bodies and tall hats.
Parents should know that this book is controversial for a good reason. There is a brief scene of nudity in this book involving the title character, Mickey. For a fictional character, Mickey’s “private area” being exposed will definitely cause concern for many parents who want to read basic children’s stories to their kids. Also, many pages in this book have Mickey mostly nude and because of this reason, this book has been extremely controversial for many years. Parents who do not want their children to know about nudity at such a young age might want to steer away from this book since it has many nudity scenes.
“In the Night Kitchen” is an extremely unique and beautiful book about the wonders of the dream world and will surely captivate many children’s hearts just as “Where the Wild Things Are” has for many years. I would strongly recommend this book to children ages five years and older because the surreal plot may confuse many small children and the nudity scenes might not be appropriate for children ages four and under.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
“In the Night Kitchen” is a follow-up of Maurice Sendak’s famous children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are” and has also received the distinguished Caldecott Honor Book Award. “In the Night Kitchen” is also one of the most controversial books in history due to many images of Mickey being naked during his dream trip to the Night Kitchen. This book details the adventures of a small boy named Mickey who journeys to the Night Kitchen and meets three unusual cooks and eventually saves the day for everyone who eats cake in the mornings. Maurice Sendak’s surreal storyline and creative illustrations makes this book an instant treat to read.
Maurice Sendak’s surreal story and even more creative and beautiful illustrations, combine effectively in this book as they both delightfully detail Mickey’s adventures in the Night Kitchen. First of all, the story is beautifully surreal as it takes place in a strange dream world where milk cartons and food jars take place as buildings and the three bakers, who are always smiling and speaking in lyrical prose, occupy the population of this strange world. Also, Mickey’s descent into the Night Kitchen is extremely bizarre as he seems like he is a ghost when he falls through the ceilings and the floor, which clearly indicates that this was all a dream. Maurice Sendak’s illustrations are as creative as they are beautiful. He illustrates the Night Kitchen as a colorful world where the sky is full of white stars and food labels on various jars and cartons provide a colorful background. I love the way that Maurice Sendak contrasts the Night Kitchen from Mickey’s world as Mickey’s house is mostly a brown and red color making it seem like a boring place to be, while the Night Kitchen is a colorful world and seems like a lively place to be at. Also, the three bakers in white are truly mind-blowing as they are portrayed as happy, moustache looking men in chubby bodies and tall hats.
Parents should know that this book is controversial for a good reason. There is a brief scene of nudity in this book involving the title character, Mickey. For a fictional character, Mickey’s “private area” being exposed will definitely cause concern for many parents who want to read basic children’s stories to their kids. Also, many pages in this book have Mickey mostly nude and because of this reason, this book has been extremely controversial for many years. Parents who do not want their children to know about nudity at such a young age might want to steer away from this book since it has many nudity scenes.
“In the Night Kitchen” is an extremely unique and beautiful book about the wonders of the dream world and will surely captivate many children’s hearts just as “Where the Wild Things Are” has for many years. I would strongly recommend this book to children ages five years and older because the surreal plot may confuse many small children and the nudity scenes might not be appropriate for children ages four and under.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
September 18, 2010
To tell the truth, I thought I was going to intensely dislike this book. I’m not a huge Sendak fan. But, I’ve seen this book discussed recently and I was curious, so I borrowed it and just read it.
What a trip! This is a wonderful book. I now get why there is all the fuss (think naked little boys; I guess that’s the objection some have) but I don’t get why there is all the fuss.
This book is so imaginative, funny, a joy to read, and yes, I even enjoyed the pictures. They were a lot of fun. Once again, the actual style doesn’t wow me, but the content does.
One of the best ever dream books for kids! In my fantasy, I wonder if I’d have enjoyed this book even more if other illustrators had created these exact same pictures, but in their art styles.
What a trip! This is a wonderful book. I now get why there is all the fuss (think naked little boys; I guess that’s the objection some have) but I don’t get why there is all the fuss.
This book is so imaginative, funny, a joy to read, and yes, I even enjoyed the pictures. They were a lot of fun. Once again, the actual style doesn’t wow me, but the content does.
One of the best ever dream books for kids! In my fantasy, I wonder if I’d have enjoyed this book even more if other illustrators had created these exact same pictures, but in their art styles.
April 16, 2008
Any time a book has polarizing reviews, I'm interested as to why. This being a kids' book made me more interested. Seems one issue was the little boy's nekkedness.
That was not an issue for me at all. Kids like being naked. We all have strange dreams. (This book is the little boy's dream.)
What really weirded me out was the three fat bakers. They were creepy. I guess this confirms that I'm not a huge Maurice Sendak fan.... ;)
That was not an issue for me at all. Kids like being naked. We all have strange dreams. (This book is the little boy's dream.)
What really weirded me out was the three fat bakers. They were creepy. I guess this confirms that I'm not a huge Maurice Sendak fan.... ;)
Read
March 10, 2014Somehow I never read this growing up. I have now read it to my daughter about five times. I have absolutely no idea what the hell this book is on about. "Thanks to Mickey, we always have cake in the morning!"
We do? WHO HAS BEEN TAKING MY MORNING CAKE
We do? WHO HAS BEEN TAKING MY MORNING CAKE
December 15, 2022
it is weird as only picture books can be.
June 20, 2025
I remember reading this as a child - how sensational it was to see a boy's penis right there in a picture book!
Titter, titter, giggle, giggle.
Since then I've read this to our girls. Although they wasted no time pointing out the fact that he is naked, they weren't as scandalized by it as I remember.
I understand there's a deeper, darker underlying story to this book regarding the Holocaust, but I never got that from the book and only recently learned of it from reading an interview with Mr. Sendak here.
I'm sure that many of his books have nuanced layers that I was just not aware of, and I find it fascinating to relook at these books now as a parent.
Titter, titter, giggle, giggle.
Since then I've read this to our girls. Although they wasted no time pointing out the fact that he is naked, they weren't as scandalized by it as I remember.
I understand there's a deeper, darker underlying story to this book regarding the Holocaust, but I never got that from the book and only recently learned of it from reading an interview with Mr. Sendak here.
I'm sure that many of his books have nuanced layers that I was just not aware of, and I find it fascinating to relook at these books now as a parent.
February 28, 2023
82/1001 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up
“Did you ever hear of Mickey, how he heard a racket in the night and shouted, ‘Quiet down there!’ and fell through the dark, out his clothes, past the moon & his mama & papa sleeping tight into the light of the night kitchen?”
A very bizarre book. Mickey, a young boy dreams of a trip to the night kitchen, where he meets three unusual cooks. Mickey ends up saving the day and when morning comes everyone eats cake.
The whole story is bonkers- similar to Alice in Wonderland, utter nonsense, just like a dream.
“Did you ever hear of Mickey, how he heard a racket in the night and shouted, ‘Quiet down there!’ and fell through the dark, out his clothes, past the moon & his mama & papa sleeping tight into the light of the night kitchen?”
A very bizarre book. Mickey, a young boy dreams of a trip to the night kitchen, where he meets three unusual cooks. Mickey ends up saving the day and when morning comes everyone eats cake.
The whole story is bonkers- similar to Alice in Wonderland, utter nonsense, just like a dream.
August 27, 2016
Maurice Sendak's illustrations are beautiful as always, but I didn't really "get" the story. Judging by other Goodreads reviewers, I was lucky to get an uncensored copy from my local library.
May 18, 2009
There are at least 100 and more books that are banned in the United States. Books of all kinds are being prohibited from schools and some libraries. But what’s the reason? Why are they being banned? Should books even be allowed to be banned? These are all questions that need answers.
I think books should not be banned. All subjects no matter how realistic they are should be allowed to be printed and exposed to the world. Reading books that covers certain topics can teach us how to look at the world differently, in someone else eyes. Banned books such as “Go ask Alice” and the “Chocolate War” was both interesting books. They exposed the down sides of life that many people only hear about or see on movies.
“Go ask Alice” was a diary type book telling the life of a young girl moving into a new town. Alice used to be a happy teenager but the town showed her a new life that she without notice, jumped in. She got her first taste of the drug LSD at a house party; leading her to a world feel with prostitution, drugs, and obstacles she must face on her own. Alice got so bad that she was sent to a mental institution. She later died from an overdose. This book caused much controversy amongst parents who were worried about their young daughters reading such a book. The book was supposed to be a ploy to stop the rapid drug rate in teens. Instead the book drew kids in so much it became a “must read book” in the 70’s. Parents were outraged. Complaints began to come and the book was banned. Parents felt the book encouraged drug use, sex, and the topic was to mature for teens.
“Chocolate War” is a book about an orphan Jerry Renault who attends an all boy school Trinity High School. There he is bullied and abused by the school gang “ The Vigils”. “The Vigils” assigned people in the schools, mostly the “losers”, assignments that they must complete no matter how physical they were. Jerry assignment was to sale chocolates, but he refused to obey “The Vigils” and their leader Archie Costello. The gang asked Jerry everyday and everyday he said no. This made them angry. Archie and The Vigils made Jerry life miserable after that. They would whip on him, trash his locker, and prank calls him all times of the night driving Jerry insane. This book was banned as well. Parents felt the violence that took place in the “Chocolate War” was not for young teens. The book also contained explicit language and masturbation went on in the book.
When people banned books in the United States its usually motivated by these factors; Religion, Political views, violence, sexual content, and homosexuality. Sometimes book critics and parents look to deep into books searching for these factors. When I read a book I read it for entertainment. It seems these days book critics read books just to search for a reason to ban it. It has gotten so bad that even children literature books are being banned.
Early this school year my English teacher assigned the class projects. We were asked to look up the banned books assigned to us. My book was ‘In the Night kitchen” by Maurice Sendak. Maurice Sendak was famous for his illustrations in child books. He was also famous for writing his own children books, receiving awards for many. He was mostly known for his book “Where the wild the wild things are”. He received the Caldecott Medal. When he released “In The Night Kitchen” he received nothing but controversy. Parents felt the book was to mature for young children. The character in the book “Mickey” who was no older than 3, roamed naked in the book. “In the night kitchen” was set in Mickey’s dream, which was in the kitchen of 3 jolly bakers. Parents wanted this book banned for 3 main reasons; Mickey was NAKED, he roamed the streets ALONE, and the book had MASTURBATION in it. Masturbation in a children book? Yes! The drawing in the book did not sit well with some critics. NUDITY + FREE FLOWING MILKY FLUIDS + “BIG PHALLIC” MILK BOTTLES = MASTURBATION. While Sendak had supposing admitted that the book is about a small boy glorifying in his sensuality. Critics have taken it to the extreme saying these things are convenient symbols within rebellious tale about masturbation.
When I hear books are banned I feel like people are trying to withhold information. No information is to mature. I think no book no matter the topic or subject should be banned. If you think it is to violent, or have to much sex in it than you should put it down and pick another book more on your level don’t ruin it for those that like to extend their learning.
I think books should not be banned. All subjects no matter how realistic they are should be allowed to be printed and exposed to the world. Reading books that covers certain topics can teach us how to look at the world differently, in someone else eyes. Banned books such as “Go ask Alice” and the “Chocolate War” was both interesting books. They exposed the down sides of life that many people only hear about or see on movies.
“Go ask Alice” was a diary type book telling the life of a young girl moving into a new town. Alice used to be a happy teenager but the town showed her a new life that she without notice, jumped in. She got her first taste of the drug LSD at a house party; leading her to a world feel with prostitution, drugs, and obstacles she must face on her own. Alice got so bad that she was sent to a mental institution. She later died from an overdose. This book caused much controversy amongst parents who were worried about their young daughters reading such a book. The book was supposed to be a ploy to stop the rapid drug rate in teens. Instead the book drew kids in so much it became a “must read book” in the 70’s. Parents were outraged. Complaints began to come and the book was banned. Parents felt the book encouraged drug use, sex, and the topic was to mature for teens.
“Chocolate War” is a book about an orphan Jerry Renault who attends an all boy school Trinity High School. There he is bullied and abused by the school gang “ The Vigils”. “The Vigils” assigned people in the schools, mostly the “losers”, assignments that they must complete no matter how physical they were. Jerry assignment was to sale chocolates, but he refused to obey “The Vigils” and their leader Archie Costello. The gang asked Jerry everyday and everyday he said no. This made them angry. Archie and The Vigils made Jerry life miserable after that. They would whip on him, trash his locker, and prank calls him all times of the night driving Jerry insane. This book was banned as well. Parents felt the violence that took place in the “Chocolate War” was not for young teens. The book also contained explicit language and masturbation went on in the book.
When people banned books in the United States its usually motivated by these factors; Religion, Political views, violence, sexual content, and homosexuality. Sometimes book critics and parents look to deep into books searching for these factors. When I read a book I read it for entertainment. It seems these days book critics read books just to search for a reason to ban it. It has gotten so bad that even children literature books are being banned.
Early this school year my English teacher assigned the class projects. We were asked to look up the banned books assigned to us. My book was ‘In the Night kitchen” by Maurice Sendak. Maurice Sendak was famous for his illustrations in child books. He was also famous for writing his own children books, receiving awards for many. He was mostly known for his book “Where the wild the wild things are”. He received the Caldecott Medal. When he released “In The Night Kitchen” he received nothing but controversy. Parents felt the book was to mature for young children. The character in the book “Mickey” who was no older than 3, roamed naked in the book. “In the night kitchen” was set in Mickey’s dream, which was in the kitchen of 3 jolly bakers. Parents wanted this book banned for 3 main reasons; Mickey was NAKED, he roamed the streets ALONE, and the book had MASTURBATION in it. Masturbation in a children book? Yes! The drawing in the book did not sit well with some critics. NUDITY + FREE FLOWING MILKY FLUIDS + “BIG PHALLIC” MILK BOTTLES = MASTURBATION. While Sendak had supposing admitted that the book is about a small boy glorifying in his sensuality. Critics have taken it to the extreme saying these things are convenient symbols within rebellious tale about masturbation.
When I hear books are banned I feel like people are trying to withhold information. No information is to mature. I think no book no matter the topic or subject should be banned. If you think it is to violent, or have to much sex in it than you should put it down and pick another book more on your level don’t ruin it for those that like to extend their learning.
March 31, 2017
A very fun book of imagination that my two-year-old grandson adores. Yes, Mickey is naked--isn't it wonderful that we can be honest and open about our bodies?
May 26, 2009
It's just way too weird for me... Maybe X-man will be able to explain it too me when he can talk!
Children have fantastic imaginations, and they'll need them to understand this book.
Why are the three bakers clones - and why do they look like Hardy (from Laurel and Hardy)?
How can you confuse milk with a small child?
Why is the oven called a "Mickey Oven" if they didn't mean to bake him?
Who eats cake for breakfast? Well, I suppose children in their dreams!
Do I dare read the final of the "Wild Things Trilogy" - Outside Over There?
Children have fantastic imaginations, and they'll need them to understand this book.
Why are the three bakers clones - and why do they look like Hardy (from Laurel and Hardy)?
How can you confuse milk with a small child?
Why is the oven called a "Mickey Oven" if they didn't mean to bake him?
Who eats cake for breakfast? Well, I suppose children in their dreams!
Do I dare read the final of the "Wild Things Trilogy" - Outside Over There?
March 29, 2016
Sweet, but no Wild Things...
July 23, 2025
Read it four times in a row this morning. Silas has big Mickey energy.
February 13, 2025
I don't expect anyone reading this review will need my advice but i offer it with absolute sincerity.
If you feel sexual desire because of the (hidden) image below, please speak to someone about it. If you don't want to feel sexual desire for children and you don't want to act on your feelings, you must talk with someone. Keeping it inside will only hurt you more and make the feelings stronger. Bring those darkest feelings into the light. You can do it. You can learn the best way to handle these feelings. Find somebody you trust and listen to them. If you already acted on your feelings, please do the right thing and get help to make sure you never do it again.
Hidden below: Illustration of Mickey, arms akimbo as if imitating a rooster, shouts "COCK-a-DOODLE-DOO!" Since he's facing the reader and he's wearing only a measuring cup, his uncircumcised penis is fully exposed as is maybe a hint of his scrotum.
If you feel sexual desire because of the (hidden) image below, please speak to someone about it. If you don't want to feel sexual desire for children and you don't want to act on your feelings, you must talk with someone. Keeping it inside will only hurt you more and make the feelings stronger. Bring those darkest feelings into the light. You can do it. You can learn the best way to handle these feelings. Find somebody you trust and listen to them. If you already acted on your feelings, please do the right thing and get help to make sure you never do it again.
Hidden below: Illustration of Mickey, arms akimbo as if imitating a rooster, shouts "COCK-a-DOODLE-DOO!" Since he's facing the reader and he's wearing only a measuring cup, his uncircumcised penis is fully exposed as is maybe a hint of his scrotum.
May 17, 2012
I don't remember reading Where the Wild Things Are as a kid, but I do remember reading - or at least looking at - In the Night Kitchen. I'm sure it was because of the naked kid; I probably hunched over it with a group of other shocked and giggling kids (I remember doing the same thing with Gnomes in fifth grade because a gnome was peeing). Going back to In the Night Kitchen thirty-some years later, that's about the only thing I remembered. Whatever I thought it was about back then I don't know, and I still am not quite sure what it's about now. My first initial reaction was that it's like when a little kid (or anyone, for that matter) tells you a dream, and you have to sit there and say "Uh-huh, yeah, neat, wow" and nod your head but really don't care about it. I've since read a little bit more about the book, the 1930s tropes (King Kong! depression era colors! Laurel and Hardy!), and that it may be about sexual awakening! I certainly didn't read that
into it back in 197something. I've also read that it's about the Holocaust. It's certainly surreal and crazy and to quote from the article I read: "Is Night Kitchen
warm, sinister, funny, or frightening?" All of the above.
into it back in 197something. I've also read that it's about the Holocaust. It's certainly surreal and crazy and to quote from the article I read: "Is Night Kitchen
warm, sinister, funny, or frightening?" All of the above.
June 23, 2015
I am kind of on the fence abut this book. I had to read it a few times. The first time I read the book I was just all sorts of confused. I did not understand the story line or or why a child would have a dream about being baked into a cake. After reading again, I found that I liked the style the author chose to write this story. The story really flowed and it was creative. However, I just couldn't get over the idea of a child dreaming about being baked into a cake.
This book has obviously been banned because of the illustrations of nudity. However, I have to say that it did not bother me that much. I thought that the illustrations were interesting and creative. However, I can see many of the children that read this book be distracted by the illustrations, laugh about them, and not truly be listening/reading the story.
Even though I didn't think this book was terrible, I don't think that I would read this to my children or have it in my classroom. It didn't interest me that much and I still don't completely understand it so I don't care to read it again or read it to my children or students.
This book has obviously been banned because of the illustrations of nudity. However, I have to say that it did not bother me that much. I thought that the illustrations were interesting and creative. However, I can see many of the children that read this book be distracted by the illustrations, laugh about them, and not truly be listening/reading the story.
Even though I didn't think this book was terrible, I don't think that I would read this to my children or have it in my classroom. It didn't interest me that much and I still don't completely understand it so I don't care to read it again or read it to my children or students.
November 14, 2008
The only children's book I can give 5 stars, and I'll do it gladly and ask for seconds. It truly is a remarkable, psychadelic romp of a child's dream wherein
**SPOILER ALERT**
a boy named Mickey falls through his house into a fantasy kitchen with giant cooks who mistake him for some milk (milk!) and merrily bake him into their cake. Umm.... Alarm! This is a new situation for me. But fear not! Mickey escapes by fashioning an old WWII prop plane out of bread dough and shows those looney-toon cooks a thing or two about pouring milk.
The backdrop is a city skyline made of baking supplies. Mickey spends most of the story naked, except for a measuring cup he dons as a helmet, and bellows "Cock a Doodle Doo" in big, bold, red letters, for no reason. I'll have what he's having.
I can't sing enough praises for this insane story. What a splendid trip.
**SPOILER ALERT**
a boy named Mickey falls through his house into a fantasy kitchen with giant cooks who mistake him for some milk (milk!) and merrily bake him into their cake. Umm.... Alarm! This is a new situation for me. But fear not! Mickey escapes by fashioning an old WWII prop plane out of bread dough and shows those looney-toon cooks a thing or two about pouring milk.
The backdrop is a city skyline made of baking supplies. Mickey spends most of the story naked, except for a measuring cup he dons as a helmet, and bellows "Cock a Doodle Doo" in big, bold, red letters, for no reason. I'll have what he's having.
I can't sing enough praises for this insane story. What a splendid trip.
Want to read
May 13, 2009Brontë: My favourite part was that he finded a way to get out of there, and he gone to sleep is my favourite, favourite, favourite one. And, um, and I love that there was a cake for everyone in the morning. And I like that he had a banana...just kidding...[giggles:]banana slice[more giggles:]. And I love that he got the milk for the bakers. That was really nice. And I love that he really had a piece of the cake. If he did in the real story.
Papa: What do you mean the "real story"?
Brontë: I mean the real big boy book. The real book not the little book. I want to say something that I hate. What I hate is, um, I hate that...I really, really, really, really, really hate that the guys were mean and saw the little boy and thought that he was back in the cake. And that's done.
Papa: What do you mean the "real story"?
Brontë: I mean the real big boy book. The real book not the little book. I want to say something that I hate. What I hate is, um, I hate that...I really, really, really, really, really hate that the guys were mean and saw the little boy and thought that he was back in the cake. And that's done.
February 5, 2017
Remember enjoying this book as a kid, and its by the Maurice Sendak so naturally this will be a good story to tell to the kids at story time. It was, though admittedly I had forgotten about the nudity... which seriously... would you want the kid to have clothes on if your gonna bake him into a cake? I did have cake this morning (Thanks, Amy).
October 3, 2019
Had this (still do) as a child. It was bizarre to me then and now. Did he drop acid and write this?
June 5, 2008
This is another book I feel like I had on tape. Then again, maybe it's just that the words have a very strong rhythm, like a chant, that makes me feel like I had it on tape.
Anyway, the story is pretty surreal from the beginning; a little boy falls out of his bed and out of his clothes (to this day I am still surprised that Sendak chose to use full frontal nudity throughout the story) and into a wild city where huge household products and food containers replace the buildings in the skyline.
I also like that the story is hand lettered by Diana Blair. It gives the whole book a special feel and allows for insanely large print when the characters are excited.
This book also reminds me that I would love to start a business that makes t-shirts using graphics from kid's books. It might not be as marketable as the shirts I see for junk food brands and such. But I think there's hope. Everyone loves the Little Miss Naughty shirt I have and that is taken from a kid's book. So I guess the idea isn't a new one, but I would love to push it into some of the more obscure books I have read. Maybe someday.
Anyway, the story is pretty surreal from the beginning; a little boy falls out of his bed and out of his clothes (to this day I am still surprised that Sendak chose to use full frontal nudity throughout the story) and into a wild city where huge household products and food containers replace the buildings in the skyline.
I also like that the story is hand lettered by Diana Blair. It gives the whole book a special feel and allows for insanely large print when the characters are excited.
This book also reminds me that I would love to start a business that makes t-shirts using graphics from kid's books. It might not be as marketable as the shirts I see for junk food brands and such. But I think there's hope. Everyone loves the Little Miss Naughty shirt I have and that is taken from a kid's book. So I guess the idea isn't a new one, but I would love to push it into some of the more obscure books I have read. Maybe someday.
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