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Very Far Away
First published in 1957, Very Far Away is the second book Sendak both wrote and illustrated.
In this story, a young boy with a new baby sibling, must learn to cope with his sudden lack of attention. He goes out searching for 'very far away'.
In this story, a young boy with a new baby sibling, must learn to cope with his sudden lack of attention. He goes out searching for 'very far away'.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1957
2 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Maurice Sendak
402 books2,397 followersMaurice Sendak was a visionary American illustrator and writer best known for transforming the landscape of children's literature through his emotionally resonant stories and distinctive artistic style. He gained international acclaim with Where the Wild Things Are, a groundbreaking picture book that captured the emotional intensity of childhood through its honest portrayal of anger, imagination, and longing. Widely recognized for his ability to blend the whimsical with the profound, Sendak created works that resonated with both children and adults, challenging conventional notions of what children's books could be.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Sendak was a sickly child who spent much of his early life indoors, nurturing a love for books, drawing, and storytelling. The son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, he was deeply affected by the losses of the Holocaust, which shaped the darker emotional undercurrents in his work. His art was influenced by a range of sources, from comic strips and Mickey Mouse to Mozart, Blake, and German Romanticism. Though he began his career illustrating other writers’ books, he soon transitioned to authoring his own, beginning with Kenny’s Window and then The Sign on Rosie’s Door.
It was Where the Wild Things Are, published in 1963, that solidified Sendak’s reputation as a master of children’s literature. The book, which won the Caldecott Medal, was initially controversial due to its depiction of unruly behavior and ambiguous emotional tone. However, it was later recognized as a revolutionary work that respected children’s inner lives and psychological complexity. This theme continued in his later works, including In the Night Kitchen and Outside Over There, which formed a loose trilogy exploring the emotional and imaginative experiences of childhood. These books, celebrated for their dreamlike narratives and lush illustrations, often tackled fears, fantasies, and the challenges of growing up.
Throughout his career, Sendak illustrated more than a hundred books, working with authors such as Ruth Krauss and Else Holmelund Minarik. His visual style—characterized by its intricate detail, dynamic line work, and expressive characters—evolved over the decades, but always retained an unmistakable emotional intensity. He also designed sets and costumes for operas and ballets, bringing his imaginative worlds to the stage. Notably, he created productions for works by Mozart and Prokofiev, combining his love of classical music with theatrical design.
Sendak was known for his sharp wit, fierce independence, and deep empathy for children. He openly criticized the sanitized and moralistic tone of much of children's publishing, insisting instead that young readers deserved stories that acknowledged their full emotional range, including fear, grief, anger, and wonder. He was also an openly gay man in a long-term relationship, though he only spoke publicly about his sexuality later in life.
Later in his career, Sendak continued to produce new work, collaborate with artists and institutions, and advocate for intellectual freedom. His final books, including Bumble-Ardy and My Brother’s Book, reflected both a return to his childhood memories and a meditation on aging, love, and mortality. Though his stories often ventured into the dark or surreal, they remained rooted in a deep respect for the emotional reality of children and a belief in the power of imagination to confront life's challenges.
Maurice Sendak’s legacy endures in the countless writers and illustrators he inspired, the cultural impact of his stories, and the enduring affection readers of all ages hold for his wild things, mischievous children, and tender monsters. Through his work, he redefined what children’s literature could be: rich, honest, haunting, and, above all, deeply human.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Sendak was a sickly child who spent much of his early life indoors, nurturing a love for books, drawing, and storytelling. The son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, he was deeply affected by the losses of the Holocaust, which shaped the darker emotional undercurrents in his work. His art was influenced by a range of sources, from comic strips and Mickey Mouse to Mozart, Blake, and German Romanticism. Though he began his career illustrating other writers’ books, he soon transitioned to authoring his own, beginning with Kenny’s Window and then The Sign on Rosie’s Door.
It was Where the Wild Things Are, published in 1963, that solidified Sendak’s reputation as a master of children’s literature. The book, which won the Caldecott Medal, was initially controversial due to its depiction of unruly behavior and ambiguous emotional tone. However, it was later recognized as a revolutionary work that respected children’s inner lives and psychological complexity. This theme continued in his later works, including In the Night Kitchen and Outside Over There, which formed a loose trilogy exploring the emotional and imaginative experiences of childhood. These books, celebrated for their dreamlike narratives and lush illustrations, often tackled fears, fantasies, and the challenges of growing up.
Throughout his career, Sendak illustrated more than a hundred books, working with authors such as Ruth Krauss and Else Holmelund Minarik. His visual style—characterized by its intricate detail, dynamic line work, and expressive characters—evolved over the decades, but always retained an unmistakable emotional intensity. He also designed sets and costumes for operas and ballets, bringing his imaginative worlds to the stage. Notably, he created productions for works by Mozart and Prokofiev, combining his love of classical music with theatrical design.
Sendak was known for his sharp wit, fierce independence, and deep empathy for children. He openly criticized the sanitized and moralistic tone of much of children's publishing, insisting instead that young readers deserved stories that acknowledged their full emotional range, including fear, grief, anger, and wonder. He was also an openly gay man in a long-term relationship, though he only spoke publicly about his sexuality later in life.
Later in his career, Sendak continued to produce new work, collaborate with artists and institutions, and advocate for intellectual freedom. His final books, including Bumble-Ardy and My Brother’s Book, reflected both a return to his childhood memories and a meditation on aging, love, and mortality. Though his stories often ventured into the dark or surreal, they remained rooted in a deep respect for the emotional reality of children and a belief in the power of imagination to confront life's challenges.
Maurice Sendak’s legacy endures in the countless writers and illustrators he inspired, the cultural impact of his stories, and the enduring affection readers of all ages hold for his wild things, mischievous children, and tender monsters. Through his work, he redefined what children’s literature could be: rich, honest, haunting, and, above all, deeply human.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 18, 2018
Maurice’s story about a boy running away is pretty timeless. I think most people at some point in their childhood wanted to run away from home. That feeling of your parents being so unjust to the point where you want to leave. I walked about a quarter of the way around the block before I went home. They had no idea I even ‘ran away’.
This boy has a lot of questions and I’m sure they are annoying questions at that. I hear my nephew ask questions and much of the time he doesn’t even listen to the answer, he is just talking and wants a response. Day in and day out, those questions can be tuned out.
The boy meets up with some animals and they all meet in Very far away to get what they need until they get on each others nerves and all leave. It’s kinda funny. I had several chuckles in this one.
I didn’t think the art was all that great in this one. It was ok. The kids weren’t so into this one either. They gave it 2 stars. The niece led the way. She has no qualms about giving a book 1 or 2 stars.
This boy has a lot of questions and I’m sure they are annoying questions at that. I hear my nephew ask questions and much of the time he doesn’t even listen to the answer, he is just talking and wants a response. Day in and day out, those questions can be tuned out.
The boy meets up with some animals and they all meet in Very far away to get what they need until they get on each others nerves and all leave. It’s kinda funny. I had several chuckles in this one.
I didn’t think the art was all that great in this one. It was ok. The kids weren’t so into this one either. They gave it 2 stars. The niece led the way. She has no qualms about giving a book 1 or 2 stars.
July 7, 2011
In this two-part picture book, Maurice Sendak, paints an original story about a little boy named Martin who decides to go "Very Far Away", where somebody will answer his questions because his mother is too busy washing the baby to listen to him. Then, in one of my favorite illustrations in the book, Martin packs his bags and dons a cowboy suit and a fake mustache - "so no one would recognize him" - and he went looking for very far away.
During his journey Martin meets a horse, a cat, and finally a bird, that join him on his quest to find very far away. They finally find "very far away", and that concludes the first half of the book. In the second half, Martin asks his new-found friends his questions, and they each indulge in their desires, and "they lived together very happily, for an hour and a half". The rest of the story concludes Martin's quest, and in a twist of humor and irony, he is on his way back home with a new set of questions for his mother. Excellent!
Themes: Running away, Exploration, Discovery, friendship.
During his journey Martin meets a horse, a cat, and finally a bird, that join him on his quest to find very far away. They finally find "very far away", and that concludes the first half of the book. In the second half, Martin asks his new-found friends his questions, and they each indulge in their desires, and "they lived together very happily, for an hour and a half". The rest of the story concludes Martin's quest, and in a twist of humor and irony, he is on his way back home with a new set of questions for his mother. Excellent!
Themes: Running away, Exploration, Discovery, friendship.
May 29, 2017
Martin is a small boy who is frustrated his mom doesn't answer his questions while she is washing the baby so he decides to leave home and go 'very far away' where people will answer his questions. What child has not experienced this feeling?
Reading this book is worth it just for the adorable illustrations of the main character in his cowboy suit and fake mustache that he wears so no one will recognize him when he goes away. He is joined in his adventures by a sparrow, horse, and cat, each frustrated with annoyances that bedevil them in daily life.
When all four of them get to 'very far away' they start out okay, and then become each other's new annoyances. This tender book helps a child understand 'there is no place like home - even with frustrations.'
Reading this book is worth it just for the adorable illustrations of the main character in his cowboy suit and fake mustache that he wears so no one will recognize him when he goes away. He is joined in his adventures by a sparrow, horse, and cat, each frustrated with annoyances that bedevil them in daily life.
When all four of them get to 'very far away' they start out okay, and then become each other's new annoyances. This tender book helps a child understand 'there is no place like home - even with frustrations.'
October 16, 2017
Where is way far away? This two part picturebook has characters trying to figure out where way far away is because nobody answers his questions due to his mother paying attention to the new baby in the family. Martin met a horse, a sparrow, and a cat trying to figure out where way far away is, but each have a different envision of very far away. I noticed that the visual images are all on the recto side, while the texts are on the verso side. I like the language usage, “…old horse and an English sparrow who were having a very serious discussion.” This story reminds me of my sister. She wasn’t the baby of the family at the age of 5 because of my first born and she didn’t like how everyone would pay more attention to the baby. I liked how all that rumpus between all the characters, Martin then thinks maybe the baby is all washed and if not I can sit on the porch and counts automobiles. Very easy to read book and the organization would help young readers.
February 14, 2012
I loved this book, as I have virtually all Maurice Sendak's books. This one continues in his typical style...sparsely worded in general, but with great sketched illustrations that enhance the story. It is quite a similar story to Where the Wild Things Are, but in a more conventional setting, and with animals rather than the monster-like wild things. For kids who have issues with monsters and other scary creatures, this book provides the same themes and experiences without the scary elements. I will make this one a part of my permanent library.
September 6, 2018
Amusing but unassuming little story of a boy who asks too many questions. He runs away to fins a Very Far Away place to find answers to his questions, along the way meeting a bird looking for refinement, a horse looking for pleasant blue grass, and a cat who wants a place to sing.
The artwork is understated, just like the story.
The artwork is understated, just like the story.
July 14, 2013
Mama's washing the baby and Martin is unhappy because she can't answer all his questions, so he decides he will go very far away -- as soon as he figures out where that is!
September 4, 2015
The story's not the greatest, but I love the early Sendak drawings.
January 19, 2018
A little boy learns to handle not being the center of attention after getting a sibling by going on a “journey”
May 21, 2018
A short-lived adventure for a boy with many questions for his busy mom.
April 20, 2026
Quem nunca, durante a infância, sentiu aquela vontade avassaladora de fazer uma trouxa de roupas e desaparecer para sempre — ou pelo menos até a hora do jantar? Esse impulso universal, nascido da frustração de não ser o centro do universo, é a matéria-prima de Very Far Away. Maurice Sendak, com a maestria que o consagrou, nos convida a revisitar esse sentimento não com condescendência, mas com uma honestidade brutal e cômica. Esta é uma obra que nos lembra que, às vezes, a utopia de um lugar perfeito dura apenas o tempo de uma brincadeira no quintal.
Very Far Away, escrito e ilustrado por Maurice Sendak, foi publicado originalmente em 1957 pela Harper & Brothers (atual HarperCollins). Sendo apenas o segundo livro de autoria completa de Maurice Sendak, a obra é considerada um precursor temático de seu sucesso mundial, Onde vivem os monstros. Classificado como literatura infantil, o livro visa o público de 4 a 8 anos, mas carrega o subtexto psicológico que se tornaria a marca registrada do autor. Embora não tenha alcançado o mesmo status de best-seller ou o impacto cultural massivo de suas obras posteriores, Very Far Away é uma peça fundamental para compreender a evolução do "estilo Sendak", apresentando a criança não como um anjo inocente, mas como um ser complexo, capaz de sentir raiva, tédio e incompreensão.
Maurice Bernard Sendak (1928–2012) foi um ilustrador e escritor norte-americano que revolucionou a literatura infantil no século XX. Conhecido por recusar a higienização da infância, Maurice Sendak retratava crianças enfrentando medos reais, ansiedades e fúria, algo atípico para a época. Sua obra-prima, Where the Wild Things Are (Onde vivem os monstros), lhe rendeu a Medalha Caldecott em 1964. Ao longo de sua carreira, Maurice Sendak ilustrou mais de 80 livros e escreveu cerca de 20, sendo aclamado pela crítica por sua capacidade de fundir o grotesco, o onírico e o terno, sempre tratando a criança com respeito intelectual.
A trama gira em torno de Martin, um menino que se sente negligenciado enquanto sua mãe está ocupada dando banho no bebê recém-nascido. Frustrado pela falta de respostas às suas inúmeras perguntas — "Why does the cat sing?" (Por que o gato canta?) —, Martin decide que sua casa não é mais um lugar adequado. Vestindo um traje de cowboy com bigode falso, ele parte para "muito longe", buscando um lugar onde alguém o escute. Em sua jornada, ele encontra companheiros inusitados: um cavalo que quer sonhar, um pardal que busca refinamento e um gato que quer cantar. Juntos, tentam conviver em um novo espaço, mas logo descobrem que a harmonia é difícil quando todos querem falar e ninguém quer ouvir.
É fascinante observar Martin como um protótipo dos protagonistas "sendakianos". Ele possui a mesma energia desafiadora de Max (Onde vivem os monstros), mas em uma escala doméstica e contida. A narrativa captura com precisão o egocentrismo natural da infância. Martin não foge porque sofreu algo terrível, mas porque sua mãe não pôde responder, naquele exato segundo, "why biting your fingernails is bad" (por que roer as unhas é ruim).
Maurice Sendak valida o sentimento da criança sem julgar a "birra". O disfarce de cowboy não é apenas uma fantasia; é uma armadura emocional. Ao colocar o bigode falso, Martin assume uma nova persona, tentando projetar uma autoridade que ele não possui em casa. É um toque de humor sutil que humaniza a revolta do personagem.
Diferente da densidade barroca e das hachuras pesadas que veríamos em trabalhos futuros, a arte em Very Far Away é surpreendentemente leve. Maurice Sendak utiliza uma paleta restrita — preto, branco, e toques de amarelo e salmão — com um traço que remete ao esboço.
Apesar da simplicidade, a direção de arte é eficaz. A linguagem corporal de Martin, de braços cruzados e cenho franzido, comunica tudo o que o texto não diz. Há uma beleza nostálgica nesse estilo dos anos 50, onde o espaço em branco na página funciona como o silêncio necessário para a reflexão da criança. É uma prova de que Maurice Sendak já dominava a capacidade de dotar seus personagens de alma, mesmo antes de refinar sua técnica visual mais famosa.
A parte central do livro é uma comédia de costumes. Martin busca um lugar onde "somebody answers my questions" (alguém responda minhas perguntas), mas acaba se aliando a um Cavalo, um Pardal e um Gato, todos igualmente egocêntricos.
A dinâmica do grupo é hilária porque reflete a dificuldade real da convivência. O Pardal reclama da falta de classe do Gato, o Cavalo reclama do barulho do Pardal, e Martin, ironicamente, não consegue fazer suas perguntas porque os outros estão ocupados com seus próprios desejos. A frase de Martin resume o caos: "What a hubbub!" (Que confusão!)
No entanto, o ponto fraco da obra reside em sua resolução. A construção do conflito é excelente, mas o desfecho soa apressado. Após a confusão, Martin simplesmente decide voltar, pensando que "maybe the baby is washed by now" (talvez o bebê já tenha sido lavado agora). Embora seja uma lição realista — a de que a fuga não resolve problemas e o lar, com seus defeitos, é o nosso porto seguro —, o leitor pode sentir a falta de um fechamento emocional mais caloroso. O retorno é prático, não sentimental, o que pode deixar uma sensação de incompletude.
Very Far Away é uma leitura essencial para quem deseja entender as raízes de um dos maiores autores da literatura infantil. Embora tropece em um final súbito, a obra brilha pelo humor honesto e pela capacidade de tratar a frustração infantil com a seriedade que ela merece. É um livro que diverte as crianças, que se identificam com a impaciência de Martin, e cativa os adultos pela ironia fina das relações sociais. Se você aprecia a arte de contar histórias através de imagens e quer ver o rascunho de um gênio em formação, este livro merece um lugar na sua estante. Afinal, todos nós, vez ou outra, precisamos colocar nosso bigode falso e ameaçar ir para muito longe, nem que seja só para descobrir que é hora de voltar para casa.
Very Far Away, escrito e ilustrado por Maurice Sendak, foi publicado originalmente em 1957 pela Harper & Brothers (atual HarperCollins). Sendo apenas o segundo livro de autoria completa de Maurice Sendak, a obra é considerada um precursor temático de seu sucesso mundial, Onde vivem os monstros. Classificado como literatura infantil, o livro visa o público de 4 a 8 anos, mas carrega o subtexto psicológico que se tornaria a marca registrada do autor. Embora não tenha alcançado o mesmo status de best-seller ou o impacto cultural massivo de suas obras posteriores, Very Far Away é uma peça fundamental para compreender a evolução do "estilo Sendak", apresentando a criança não como um anjo inocente, mas como um ser complexo, capaz de sentir raiva, tédio e incompreensão.
Maurice Bernard Sendak (1928–2012) foi um ilustrador e escritor norte-americano que revolucionou a literatura infantil no século XX. Conhecido por recusar a higienização da infância, Maurice Sendak retratava crianças enfrentando medos reais, ansiedades e fúria, algo atípico para a época. Sua obra-prima, Where the Wild Things Are (Onde vivem os monstros), lhe rendeu a Medalha Caldecott em 1964. Ao longo de sua carreira, Maurice Sendak ilustrou mais de 80 livros e escreveu cerca de 20, sendo aclamado pela crítica por sua capacidade de fundir o grotesco, o onírico e o terno, sempre tratando a criança com respeito intelectual.
A trama gira em torno de Martin, um menino que se sente negligenciado enquanto sua mãe está ocupada dando banho no bebê recém-nascido. Frustrado pela falta de respostas às suas inúmeras perguntas — "Why does the cat sing?" (Por que o gato canta?) —, Martin decide que sua casa não é mais um lugar adequado. Vestindo um traje de cowboy com bigode falso, ele parte para "muito longe", buscando um lugar onde alguém o escute. Em sua jornada, ele encontra companheiros inusitados: um cavalo que quer sonhar, um pardal que busca refinamento e um gato que quer cantar. Juntos, tentam conviver em um novo espaço, mas logo descobrem que a harmonia é difícil quando todos querem falar e ninguém quer ouvir.
É fascinante observar Martin como um protótipo dos protagonistas "sendakianos". Ele possui a mesma energia desafiadora de Max (Onde vivem os monstros), mas em uma escala doméstica e contida. A narrativa captura com precisão o egocentrismo natural da infância. Martin não foge porque sofreu algo terrível, mas porque sua mãe não pôde responder, naquele exato segundo, "why biting your fingernails is bad" (por que roer as unhas é ruim).
Maurice Sendak valida o sentimento da criança sem julgar a "birra". O disfarce de cowboy não é apenas uma fantasia; é uma armadura emocional. Ao colocar o bigode falso, Martin assume uma nova persona, tentando projetar uma autoridade que ele não possui em casa. É um toque de humor sutil que humaniza a revolta do personagem.
Diferente da densidade barroca e das hachuras pesadas que veríamos em trabalhos futuros, a arte em Very Far Away é surpreendentemente leve. Maurice Sendak utiliza uma paleta restrita — preto, branco, e toques de amarelo e salmão — com um traço que remete ao esboço.
Apesar da simplicidade, a direção de arte é eficaz. A linguagem corporal de Martin, de braços cruzados e cenho franzido, comunica tudo o que o texto não diz. Há uma beleza nostálgica nesse estilo dos anos 50, onde o espaço em branco na página funciona como o silêncio necessário para a reflexão da criança. É uma prova de que Maurice Sendak já dominava a capacidade de dotar seus personagens de alma, mesmo antes de refinar sua técnica visual mais famosa.
A parte central do livro é uma comédia de costumes. Martin busca um lugar onde "somebody answers my questions" (alguém responda minhas perguntas), mas acaba se aliando a um Cavalo, um Pardal e um Gato, todos igualmente egocêntricos.
A dinâmica do grupo é hilária porque reflete a dificuldade real da convivência. O Pardal reclama da falta de classe do Gato, o Cavalo reclama do barulho do Pardal, e Martin, ironicamente, não consegue fazer suas perguntas porque os outros estão ocupados com seus próprios desejos. A frase de Martin resume o caos: "What a hubbub!" (Que confusão!)
No entanto, o ponto fraco da obra reside em sua resolução. A construção do conflito é excelente, mas o desfecho soa apressado. Após a confusão, Martin simplesmente decide voltar, pensando que "maybe the baby is washed by now" (talvez o bebê já tenha sido lavado agora). Embora seja uma lição realista — a de que a fuga não resolve problemas e o lar, com seus defeitos, é o nosso porto seguro —, o leitor pode sentir a falta de um fechamento emocional mais caloroso. O retorno é prático, não sentimental, o que pode deixar uma sensação de incompletude.
Very Far Away é uma leitura essencial para quem deseja entender as raízes de um dos maiores autores da literatura infantil. Embora tropece em um final súbito, a obra brilha pelo humor honesto e pela capacidade de tratar a frustração infantil com a seriedade que ela merece. É um livro que diverte as crianças, que se identificam com a impaciência de Martin, e cativa os adultos pela ironia fina das relações sociais. Se você aprecia a arte de contar histórias através de imagens e quer ver o rascunho de um gênio em formação, este livro merece um lugar na sua estante. Afinal, todos nós, vez ou outra, precisamos colocar nosso bigode falso e ameaçar ir para muito longe, nem que seja só para descobrir que é hora de voltar para casa.
November 15, 2019
A boy named Martin asked his mother, “Where is very far away?” However his mother was too busy and kept washing his baby brother so Martin went to his room, put on a cowboy hat and a fake mustache and went out on a search for very far away; where someone would answer his questions. He met a horse, a sparrow, and a cat. The Martin took them to a place far away from them which was Martin’s home. At the home they all get upset with each other because Martin asks too many questions the cat can’t hear himself sing so Martin raises his voice which upsets the sparrow who misses people that are refined and the horse misses a place far away that let him dream in peace. The animals soon leave and Martin goes to ask his mom questions but knows if she is busy he will occupy himself and ask again later. This is a good story because it is relatable for children. We all know a time we wanted our parent's attention but they were too busy and we took it personally. This story teaches patience and that we must not panic and get upset over the little things. Home is always home.
April 30, 2014
Maurice Sendak does an excellent job of capturing the desires of children. In his book Very Far Away he addresses the desire that most kids have to run far away from everything. Martin feels like he is not appreciated at home because no one will answer his questions. He leaves and finds others that want to find a place far away from everything. They imagine a place where everything is perfect and they all have what they want. They all run off to far away together until they grow sick of each other. Eventually they all decide that back home is better than far away. The colors that Maurice uses to accent his pencil drawings are a yellowing brown and grey. This is a little bit darker than the colors he usually chooses. I think he chooses these colors because the book also has a darker message; the grass is not always greener on the other side.
July 25, 2017
The local library here in Japan has quite a few of Sendak's books. Very Far Away had a wonderful setup, great humor, and some memorable lines like,
"So I'll go away," thought Martin. "Somewhere even very far away where somebody will answer my questions." And he packed his bag.
There is such a strong sense of audience, voice and fun here that I look forward to reading this tale aloud. A story told in two parts, some may find the ending a bit abrupt, but when I think about childhood generally, I think the ending fits, and I found myself satisfied with Martin's journey to very far away.
"So I'll go away," thought Martin. "Somewhere even very far away where somebody will answer my questions." And he packed his bag.
There is such a strong sense of audience, voice and fun here that I look forward to reading this tale aloud. A story told in two parts, some may find the ending a bit abrupt, but when I think about childhood generally, I think the ending fits, and I found myself satisfied with Martin's journey to very far away.
January 22, 2018
I did not enjoy this book very much, mostly because I felt as if the author forgot an ending. While reading it, I did not find myself very interested in the story and I felt I wanted to skip over pages and just get to the end. At the end, I felt like the whole story was just left hanging for the audience. I did not feel closure in the ending. I also did not enjoy the illustrations very much. It was an OK read, but I wouldn't choose it again.
January 17, 2010
This story is told in two books. If you end with book one, well it seems that everything ends happily ever after. However in book two, things get real and Sendak hits you with a truth about happiness and the delusion that if you were somewhere else, happiness would be yours. This is early Sendak with a very different style of illustration. Still incredibly thoughtful for a children's book.
August 18, 2018
I think I would give this book one and a half stars. Very Far Away is something of an early version of Where the Wild Things Are, and my liking for the two books is essentially equal. The main assets of this one are its simplicity and whimsical illustrations.
June 4, 2008
This is typical, slightly bizarre, yet arresting Sendak, with a moral that isn't too obvious.
November 23, 2009
I didn't like how he returned at the end. After all, where is very far away?
April 14, 2011
wonderful sparse and strange tale by the author of Where the Wild Things Are - similar plot, though this time much closer to home.
February 5, 2012
"Very Far Away" is a cute little story about a boy who runs away because his mother won't answer his questions. It's also very funny- not just laugh out loud but in subtle ways.
May 30, 2018
Prose: Modern Fantasy
September 16, 2018
Buku #8 yang dibaca di Phoenix Public Library.
Suka sekali dengan yang ini. Sendak menceritakan seorang bocah laki-laki yang "pergi ke tempat yang jauh" dari rumah karena pertanyaan-pertanyaannya tidak digubris oleh ibunya. Ia lalu bertemu seekor kuda, seekor burung pipit, dan seekor kucing yang sama-sama menjelaskan di mana "tempat yang jauh" itu. Buku ini terbit pertama kali pada 1957.
Suka sekali dengan yang ini. Sendak menceritakan seorang bocah laki-laki yang "pergi ke tempat yang jauh" dari rumah karena pertanyaan-pertanyaannya tidak digubris oleh ibunya. Ia lalu bertemu seekor kuda, seekor burung pipit, dan seekor kucing yang sama-sama menjelaskan di mana "tempat yang jauh" itu. Buku ini terbit pertama kali pada 1957.
July 3, 2023
Martin has too many questions for his busy mother, and he decides to go very far away where someone will have the time to answer him. He meets a horse, a cat, and a sparrow who also want to go very far away so they all go together. It doesn't work out as well as they all hope.
A cute little Sendak story.
A cute little Sendak story.
November 3, 2025
A young boy isn't getting the attention he wants from his mother who is washing the baby, so he goes off to find very far away. He meets a group of animals that also want to go very far away and they all run off together.
October 24, 2018
I want to go here. Again and again and again.
January 26, 2020
عنوان ترجمه فارسی: آن دور دورها
November 6, 2024
Dreamy exploration of the individuality of memory and desire.
May 10, 2018
Fantasy - Prose
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews