When I first read this book to my 2 year old daughter, I thought it would be a little weird for her but I was wrong - she absolutely loved it! She asked for this book every night and quoted every page. The offbeat rhymes and illustrations of Mickey's adventure in his dream captivated her imagination. Thank you Mr. Sendak for a great book. RIP.

This is the 61st of a series of titles selected by writer Yann Martel to provide to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to encourage an appreciation of the arts and literature in particular in the PM, and to also help him with his stillness and thoughtfulness. Martel has regularly sent books from a wide range of literary traditions to Harper. Martel has devoted a Web site to the reading list and his kind and considered covering letters with each volume. Martel has never received a direct acknowledgement from Harper, and only recently some fairly form-letter responses from Harper's staff. He has, however, received a response (although not directly related to one of his book selections for Harper) from Industry Minister Tony Clement. Martel's meditation on both Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen, both written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, is very moving, especially in light of his (Martel's, that is) very recent new fatherhood. All of his letters can be read at http://www.whatisstephenharperreading.ca/.