Kids' Books Come to Life

Where the Wild Things Are, 2009
Author Maurice Sendak, 81, has given his blessing to Spike Jonze's treatment of his simple yet profound tale, which in its original form numbers a mere 10 sentences. Jonze has enlisted actors like James Gandolfini, above, to give life to the beasts and cast young Max Records as the naughty Max.

• Read TIME's review of "Where the Wild Things Are"