Very Far Away

In Maurice Sendak's early work, Very Far Away, young Martin grapples with the arrival of a new baby sibling and his mother's divided attention. Feeling lost and overlooked, he declares he will go "very far away" and embarks on a journey where he encounters various quirky characters. This book gently explores themes of sibling jealousy, the need for independence, and the search for belonging, all wrapped in Sendak's signature whimsical style. It's an excellent read for children aged 6-9, offering comfort and a starting point for discussions about big feelings when family dynamics shift.

Fans of Maurice Sendak's Caldecott Medal-winning Where the Wild Things Are will love Very Far Away—now back in print! First published in 1957, Very Far Away is the second book Sendak both wrote and illustrated. A young boy with a new baby sibling must learn to cope with his mother's sudden lack of attention, so he sets off to find "very far away." The Chicago Sunday Tribune praised Very Far Away, saying, "Maurice Sendak's new picture story has all the charm and originality of his other work—plus an extra dash of humor and sense of kinship with small boys." First published in 1957 and now back in print, Very Far Away is Maurice Sendak at his early best.