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A review by sducharme
Bumble-Ardy by Maurice Sendak
4.0
For me, this was the story of a boy (pig) who organizes a birthday party without telling his aunt (guardian), and gets in a bit of trouble over it. She celebrates his birthday for the first time ever, but does not like the idea of a party. So, he throws a party for himself, but doesn't tell her. After she leaves, the house becomes filled with all kinds of crazy characters "drinking brine" - bizarre on several levels - and having a "fine" time. When the aunt gets back, she's upset, but they pronounce their love for each other, and all's well.
There are a few confusing bits: for example, why does the aunt suddenly seem to remember that it's Bumble-Ardy's birthday later in the day? She'd already given him a present (a cowboy suit).
I'll be interested to hear what kids think of this. I haven't read it with them yet. There's a hedonistic recklessness that I think will appeal to them. And then the fear of punishment, when aunt comes home - that should create some tension. And I wonder what they'll notice in the illustrations; they're so detailed and random and wacky.
There are a few confusing bits: for example, why does the aunt suddenly seem to remember that it's Bumble-Ardy's birthday later in the day? She'd already given him a present (a cowboy suit).
I'll be interested to hear what kids think of this. I haven't read it with them yet. There's a hedonistic recklessness that I think will appeal to them. And then the fear of punishment, when aunt comes home - that should create some tension. And I wonder what they'll notice in the illustrations; they're so detailed and random and wacky.