1. “Where the Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendak was the very first gift I ever remember receiving from my parents when I was a kid. In fact, having my dad come home and hand it to me is one of my very first memories, period. At the time it seemed lame (I really wanted a teddy bear), but I realize now that it started my long-term love affair with books and words and stories. Needless to say, it holds a special place in my heart.

    I haven’t been this excited for a movie to come out in a long time.