Where the Wild Things Are
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak's classic picture book, "Where the Wild Things Are," tells the story of Max, a young boy sent to his room without supper after misbehaving and talking back to his mother. In his room, Max's imagination transforms it into a mystical forest and he sails to an island inhabited by monstrous creatures known as the Wild Things. Max tames these creatures and becomes their king, leading them in a 'wild rumpus' before experiencing loneliness and choosing to return home to find his supper waiting. The book explores themes of childhood anger, imagination, emotional regulation, and the comfort of home, making it a celebrated work in children's literature for its honest portrayal of complex emotions. It targets a young audience, typically preschoolers and early elementary school children, and is generally considered appropriate, though some elements have been noted for their intensity.
Things to Consider
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are central themes at the beginning of the book. Max openly disobeys his mother, engages in mischievous behavior, and talks back, leading to his punishment. His imaginative journey to the land of the Wild Things can be interpreted as an exploration of these rebellious impulses in a fantastical setting.
1. Max's behavior at the outset of the story is explicitly rebellious and disrespectful; he is 'making mischief of one kind and another,' 'chasing his dog with a fork,' and, when his mother calls him a 'wild thing,' he retorts, 'I'll eat you up!', resulting in him being sent to his room 'without any supper.' 2. Max's subsequent coronation as 'King of all Wild Things' and his command for a 'wild rumpus' symbolizes a period of unchecked rebellion and a temporary rejection of adult authority and rules, where his unruly emotions are given free rein.
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LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The book itself does not explicitly feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes. However, its author, Maurice Sendak, was openly gay, and his personal identity is a significant aspect of various literary analyses and interpretations of his work. Some scholars and commentators interpret the story's themes of 'outsidership,' self-discovery, and finding a 'chosen family' as resonating with the LGBTQ+ experience, drawing parallels to a 'coming out story.'
Scary & Intense Content
The book contains elements that can be perceived as scary or intense for very young children, primarily through the visual depiction and descriptions of the Wild Things. Max's initial anger and his mother's reaction also create a tense emotional start to the story. Early psychologists and parents initially found these elements concerning.
Violence
The book contains implied, non-graphic violence related to Max's misbehavior and the boisterous nature of the Wild Things. Max's actions are more rebellious and mischievous than truly violent, and the Wild Things' 'terrible' characteristics are descriptions of their appearance and sounds rather than actual physical harm being depicted. The film adaptation, however, introduces more explicit instances of physical aggression.
Romance and Sexual Content
The book, a children's picture book, contains no romantic or sexual content. The narrative focuses entirely on a young boy's emotional journey and imaginative play, with no depictions or discussions of romance, relationships, or sexuality.
Profanity
The book contains no profanity or coarse language. The dialogue and narration are appropriate for young children, focusing on simple and evocative language to convey Max's emotions and adventures. The film adaptation does include some mild language.
Witchcraft & Occult
The book features fantastical, monster-like creatures (the Wild Things) and an imaginative journey, but it does not contain explicit witchcraft, sorcery, or occult practices. One academic interpretation describes the 'wild rumpus' as resembling pagan revelry, but this is an analytical viewpoint rather than a direct depiction of occultism within the story.
Substance Use
The book does not depict any form of substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking. The narrative is centered on a child's imagination and emotional journey, and such elements are entirely absent.
Anti-Christian Themes
The book does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes or messages. While one academic interpretation describes the 'wild rumpus' as resembling 'pagan (or savage) religious bacchanalia,' this is a scholarly analysis of a cultural reference rather than an inherent anti-Christian statement within the narrative or its characters. The author, Maurice Sendak, was an atheist, but this is external to the book's content.
Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" offers several themes that can resonate with or be understood through a Christian worldview, particularly concerning emotions, consequences, and the unconditional love found in family. The book directly addresses childhood anger and rebellion, as Max is sent to his room for misbehaving and talking back to his mother. While his initial actions are disobedient, the narrative doesn't glorify vice. Instead, it portrays the natural consequences of his actions (being sent away) and then allows him to imaginatively process his 'wild' emotions. Max's journey to the land of the Wild Things can be seen as an internal exploration of his anger and frustration, where he confronts and eventually tames these powerful, unruly feelings, leading to a form of self-regulation and emotional growth. This aligns with biblical teachings on managing anger and seeking peace, though the book does not explicitly present moral accountability in a judicial sense, but rather through the internal experience of loneliness and the subsequent desire for comfort and love. The worldview presented is primarily one that acknowledges the rich inner life of a child, emphasizing imagination as a tool for navigating complex emotions. While not overtly transcendent or materialistic, the story implicitly values the comfort and security of home and familial love as a foundational aspect of well-being. This aligns with Christian family values, highlighting the importance of a loving home as a safe haven and a place of belonging. Max's ultimate return home, driven by loneliness and a desire to be "where someone loved him best of all," culminates in the discovery of his supper waiting for him, still warm. This act by his mother can be interpreted as a powerful illustration of grace and unconditional love, a warm welcome after a period of self-imposed exile, mirroring aspects of divine love and forgiveness that are central to Christian faith. There is no explicit representation of faith or Christianity within the book itself. However, the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the enduring nature of love, particularly parental love, offer natural points for discussion for Christian parents. The journey Max undertakes, moving from unchecked 'wildness' to a desire for order and connection, and being met with unconditional care, can serve as a gentle parable of seeking restoration after wrongdoing and finding grace. The book ultimately reinforces the idea that even after expressing overwhelming emotions or acting out, a child is still loved and accepted within the family unit, a message that harmonizes with a Christ-centered understanding of grace and mercy within relationships.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 4-8. While generally recommended for children aged 3 and up, some elements, particularly the potentially frightening depictions of the Wild Things and Max's rebellious behavior, may be intense for very sensitive preschoolers. The book's themes of anger, disobedience, and wild imagination are best navigated with parental discussion for younger children, making it suitable for independent reading or shared reading with discussion for early elementary ages.
Good to Know
The book 'Where the Wild Things Are' is a standalone work. While there is a 2009 film adaptation, the content analysis here focuses primarily on the original picture book. The movie adaptation does introduce elements such as mild profanity, more explicit violence, and depiction of adults drinking wine, which parents should be aware of if considering the film.
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