Let the Wild Rumpus Begin: It's Wild Things Week in New York

Stop gnashing your terrible teeth--the wait is almost over, and the filmed version of what is perhaps the most iconic children’s picture book of all time opens this Friday, October 16. In preparation for the Spike Jonze-directed version of Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are,” New York is going a little wild itself with a "Where the Wild Things Are” week to celebrate Max and his nighttime adventures.
Events are happening all over the city—museums in particular are creating a rumpus. You can start off with a look at Sendak’s original artwork at the Morgan Library and Museum, on view through November 1. The exhibition includes early drafts of the book, as well as a preliminary sketch for the cover. (225 Madison Avenue; 212 685-0008).
Over at MOMA, you can see “Spike Jonze: The First 80 Years,” the first retrospective of the director’s career. The series runs through October 18, and includes a look at his earlier work (skateboard videos—who knew?) as well as films like ”Being John Malkovich.” (11 w. 53rd Street. 212 708-9400).
Oh, right—kids like the book, too. So take them to the Children’s Museum of the Arts, where they can take a stop-motion animation workshop and bring wild things to life (182 Lafayette Street; 212-274-1776).
Finally, you can get into the action—literally—with the Kodak photo booth, which allows families to superimpose themselves into scenes with the Wild Things. Booths are located at The New York Public Library’s Children's Center (42nd Street and Fifth Avenue; 212-621-0208) on Oct. 14 and 17; and at the Official NYC Information Center (810 7th Avenue; 212 484-1222) through October 16.
And when you get home, if you’re very lucky, your supper will still be hot.