As a result, I didn't read it to Boy One and Boy Two - I didn't want to terrify them too with yellow eyed horribleness.
Then someone gave Boy Three a copy. He picked it up the other night and I couldn't lure him away with Poppy Cat, Hairy Maclary or even Tim's fascinating trip to the doctor.
"I want wild things," he asserted.
So I read it. "Bye-bye wild things," he sighed wistfully at the end of the book but perked up at the news that Max's supper was there - and still hot. Now he wants the book every night.
The book, apparently, is about conflict and anger - about how small children are buffeted by strong, dark emotions. Funny isn't it? These days I'd like nothing better than sleeping in a forest and I have enjoyed days on a small boat with mostly myself for company. I still don't much like conflict, anger and strong, dark emotions though.
Boy Three on the other hand - so cheered by Max's steaming supper - much prefers his plateful to be cooled to tepid. My little King of the Wild Things.