Outside Over There

Name: Outside Over There
ISBN: 9780099432920

by Maurice Sendak

When goblins kidnap her baby sister and replace her with an ice changeling, Ida must use her wonder horn and courage to follow them into the strange 'Outside Over There' and bring her sister home.

About This Book

Maurice Sendak's classic picture book, 'Outside Over There,' tells the story of Ida, a young girl who must rescue her baby sister after goblins steal her away and leave an ice changeling in her place. Ida's quest takes her to a fantastical, slightly eerie realm where she uses her 'wonder horn' to outwit the goblins. This deeply psychological tale, which Sendak considered part of a trilogy exploring childhood development, touches on themes of sibling responsibility, fear, bravery, and the anxieties of growing up. Inspired in part by the Lindbergh kidnapping, it offers a rich, complex narrative for children aged 3-7, exploring the emotional landscape of an older sibling's role.

While Ida is busy playing her wonder horn, goblins come in through the window and kidnap her baby sister. If Ida is to save her, she must follow the goblins into the outside over there and use her wonder music to defeat them . . .

Concepts

Fear & Bravery Love & Family Resilience & Perseverance Self-Confidence & Identity Curiosity & Wonder Loneliness & Belonging Sadness & Grief Creativity & Imagination Good vs. Evil Freedom & Independence Growing Up Parent Deployment Family & Siblings Fantasy & Magic Music

Heads up, parents

Scary Scenes

peril_danger

separation_from_parent

Discussion Prompts

How did Ida feel when she realized her sister was gone? What would you do if you were Ida?

What does Ida's 'wonder horn' do? How does she use her music to solve problems?

The book talks about Ida needing to watch over her sister. What does it mean to watch over someone?

What was 'Outside Over There' like? Was it a scary place or an exciting place?

How does Ida show she is brave in this story?