Thanks to Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, I’m sure we’ve all been exposed to the idea of a rumpus. But you don’t have to have wild creatures, bowls of soup, and naughty boys to appreciate a Wild Rumpus. In fact, you can enjoy a bit of a rumpus this winter with little to no prep.
Ingredients of a Good Rumpus
- a wild thing or two
- time to devote to the rumpus
- a loosening of your ideals on how perfectly behaved children (and their caretakers) should act
- miscellany such as pillows, blankets, treats, books, games, imaginations, stuffed animals, nerf guns, etc…
Mix the above ingredients together in any order and proportion and see where you end up. It might be in a blanket fort playing board games or in a pillow pile with good books and great conversations. It might be sitting at a counter (or on it) eating ice cream out of the container while still in your pjs. Regardless, any scenario focused on connecting with others in your life without an agenda is always a win.
Another way to enjoy a wild rumpus: visit the indie book store in the Twin Cities that adopted the idea of a noisy, free-ranging, raucous commotion both in spirit and in name. The Wild Rumpus book store is a delight in every way. If you happen to be in the area you should visit it in person with your favorite little person. Whether or not you buy a book, the experience is truly magical. If, however, COVID and distance have you far from one of the most unique book stores around, you can still enjoy it.
Story times (ie reading aloud to young–and old–children) are more important now than ever before. Even virtual story times breathe life into the characters and plot, and connect youth to the written word in a very different way than slogging through the words on one’s own. Quite simply, shared stories open the door to all possibilities and ignite imaginations in a way unlike any other activity.
So, in addition to joining our very own Emily for her virtual story times on Facebook, you can settle in with your personal wild thing and listen to talented readers in both English and Spanish from wherever you love to snuggle up.
Of course, you can always pull out a classic and share Where the Wild Things Are with the next generation. Just be prepared for the wild rumpus that is sure to ensue!
make your own stories~ jody
