In this week's podcast, we look at the novel by Dave Eggers based on Maurice Sendak's picture book classic, Where the Wild Things Are, and debate whether pictures can really say more than words. When Sendak dismissed parents' concerns over Spike Jonze's film adaptation it made waves across the internet – we look at early reaction to the film, and ask if Sendak's masterpiece still appeals to the small children of today.

Meanwhile, as Eggers's hyper-chic McSweeney's periodical celebrates its 10th year, we discuss what it has achieved, and a collection of McSweeney's short stories from the past decade, guest edited by Nick Hornby.

We also listen in to the gossip from the Frankfurt book fair and give the lowdown on the big book deals.

And Guardian columnist Madeleine Bunting explains why she has set her latest book in a remote corner of North Yorkshire, why sheep matter and what this quiet acre has to say about the relationship between people and place all over the world.

Reading list

The Wild Things, by Dave Eggers (Hamish Hamilton)
Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak (Red Fox)
The United States of McSweeney's (Hamish Hamilton)
The Plot by Madeleine Bunting (Granta)