Group Book Talk-Where The Wild Things Are

Where The Wild Things Are is a classic children’s book that has several deep and promising messages. Even now with the movie out, it relates more and more to the fear and sadness of children, while also connecting to anger and aggression. In this movie, the family situation is represented in a more detailed fashioned. Max lives with his struggling single mother and his sister. He is a good kid, but feelings of loneliness and the difficulty of his family situation lead him to act out at times, taking his frustration out on both his family and their property. In the beginning, he gets sent to his room but in this moment he realizes he is afraid of the loneliness, having no food or company in this dark moment. The fears of childhood come out as anger. Allowing him then to go to his imagination. It leads him to find a boat and a body of water, and he sails away to Where the Wild Things Are. In this particular place it represents what fear is and how to overcome this fear.  He faces these fears, with The Wild Things, and becomes the king of this magical place.

Max finds that he has some things in common with the Wild Things. They are childlike and sensitive, and they also take out their anger and fear in ways that are destructive or unproductive. The Wild Things live together as a family, and just like any other family, their different personalities sometimes clash, but in the end, they all love each other. He learns the true value of family while being with the wild things, seeing the connection each of the wild things have with one another makes him realize he can be more appreciative of the good things he has at home with his mother and sister. And even when coming back to his home at the end of the book, he comes back to a hot supper. This powerful ending to this story touches on the main point that his family will always be there for him. This story helps children come to terms with shadow elements of life and the tricky emotions of fear, anger, envy, and anxiety. It is about experiencing and figuring out how to get through our fears.

Many issues could potentially occur using this book, especially in the movie, which is a deeper depiction of the story. There have been many mixed emotions about this book because there are many layers that need to be peeled away to completely understand the underlying message. Some parents see it as too dark or deep for children. Some may see that it is about children and not necessarily for children. It is supposed to open our minds to our fears and struggles in life and to face these fears. Even to find our own kingdom to rule like Max. Knowing that some parents might have a hard time with their child reading this book because of its darkness, it is hard to say whom this book would be appropriate for. However, I believe this story to be great for all ages because it gives a great representation about how to face your fears and the values of family all in one story. Therefore, I believe everyone could relate to this type of story. I also believe it teaches children to use their imagination and creativity while also teaching a strong lesson. It is a very powerful book or movie, whichever one prefers. I would use this text to teach children that everyone has fear and it is okay to have, and once this is accepted it is possible to overcome this fear.