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Where The Wild Things Are Facts & Worksheets

“Where the Wild Things Are” combines fantasy and emotional development and is one of the most influential books in children's literature.

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“Where the Wild Things Are” combines fantasy and emotional development and is one of the most influential books in children’s literature. The impact of Maurice Sendak’s story and his distinctive drawings have broken conventions and set new standards, molding children’s book culture.

See the fact file below for more information about the Literature Study, Where the Wild Things Are or you can download our 24-page Where the Wild Things Are worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

THE AUTHOR

  • On June 10, 1928, Maurice Sendak was born to Polish Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn, New York. 
  • He is the creator and illustrator of “Where the Wild Things Are.” 
  • His early years depict his interest in the arts, his love of reading, and the effects of World War II and the Great Depression, which left him with a sense of fear and loss that affected his work.
  • Maurice Sendak pursued his passion for art and illustration after high school and found work in the field of window displays. 
  • Illustration of other authors’ material was his first venture into children’s books. 
  • It wasn’t until 1956 that Sendak authored and illustrated his first book, “Kenny’s Window.”
  • Throughout his career, Sendak wrote and illustrated stories that deviated from the straightforward moralistic or didactic forms that dominated children’s books at the time. 
  • With “Where the Wild Things Are,” Sendak combined elements of fantasy with unfiltered emotion in an attempt to explore a child’s psychological terrain.
  • Creating the book arose from Sendak’s personal experiences and creative obstacles.
  • Initially, Sendak aimed to write a book titled “Where the Wild Horses Are.” 
  • However, he struggled to draw horses in a manner that satisfied his artistic vision, leading him to invent the Wild Things, fantastical creatures that struck an emotional chord with readers. 
  • These Wild Things were figments of Sendak’s imagination and inspired by the eccentric and somewhat intimidating relatives who visited his home during childhood.
  • Throughout the book’s drafts, Sendak perfected his illustrations, praised for their intricate detail and expressive emotion. 
  • The book’s minimal text allows the images to drive the story. 
  • When “Where the Wild Things Are” was released by Harper & Row in 1963, it was immediately criticized for its gruesome themes and illustrations. 
  • However, it quickly gained popularity and won Sendak the coveted Caldecott Medal, awarded to the best-selling American picture book for children, in 1964. 
  • Since its publication, “Where The Wild Things Are” has continued to captivate audiences with its tale of anger, imagination, and reconciliation, becoming a seminal piece of children’s literature. 
  • Sendak’s creative genius in storytelling and illustration created a deeply personal yet universally relatable world, showcasing emotional complexity and the power of imagination.

THE PLOT SUMMARY

  • “Where The Wild Things Are” tells the tale of Max, a young boy with a wild imagination and a penchant for mischief. 
  • One evening, after causing trouble in his wolf costume and being scolded by his mother, Max is sent to his bedroom without supper as a punishment. 
  • A forest grows in his room, and an ocean tumbles, magically transforming his reality. 
  • Max sails away in a private boat to an island inhabited by fearsome creatures he calls the Wild Things.
  • Max conquers the creatures with his fierce gaze and is declared the king of the Wild Things despite their terrifying appearances. 
  • They dance and march in a “wild rumpus,” celebrating Max’s presence. 
  • However, after a time, Max begins feeling lonely and longing for a place where he is loved.
  • Max decides to leave the Wild Things despite their protests.
  • He travels across the ocean to his room, where he finds his supper waiting for him, still hot. 
  • The story closes with Max in his home, having traveled emotionally and imaginatively, finding solace in his familiar surroundings and the security of his family’s love.
  • The narrative focuses on themes such as the exploration of emotion, the power of imagination, and the inherent need for love and belonging. 
  • With minimal text accentuated by detailed and dynamic illustrations, Maurice Sendak captures the complexity of childhood emotions, allowing readers to delve into Max’s journey visually and psychologically.

CHARACTERS

  • In “Where The Wild Things Are,” the central characters are Max and the Wild Things, a group of fantastical creatures living on an island that Max encounters.
  • Max is the story’s protagonist, a young boy with a vivid imagination and an energetic spirit. 
  • He often wears a wolf costume and causes mischief, reflecting his wild inner nature. 
  • Max’s journey to the land of the Wild Things symbolizes a psychological adventure through his emotions, particularly anger and loneliness.
  • The Wild Things are huge, monstrous creatures that inhabit the island Max visits. 
  • Although initially intimidating, they accept and even celebrate Max as their king. 
  • Each Wild Thing has a distinct appearance and personality, with various horns, claws, and facial expressions that convey their wild and untamed nature. 
  • They embody the wildness inside Max and are ultimately tamed by his confident and imaginative spirit.
  • These characters are not profoundly fleshed out with personal histories or individual story arcs, as the book’s primary focus is on Max’s emotional experience. 
  • The Wild Things catalyze his emotional growth, representing various facets of his inner turmoil and imagination. 
  • Their acceptance and proclamation of Max as their king mirror his need for recognition and control over his emotions.
  • Throughout the story, the Wild Things visually represent Max’s internal struggles and the significance of confronting and embracing one’s emotions.
  • The characters in “Where The Wild Things Are” symbolize childhood emotions’ intricate and complex nature and the transformative power of imagination. 
  • Max’s interaction with the Wild Things serves as a metaphor for his emotional journey and the realization of his need for love, comfort, and belonging.

THEME

  • The story delves deeply into the emotions of anger, fear, and desire for independence, as experienced by Max. 
  • His journey represents a safe exploration of feelings, underscoring the narrative’s focus on emotional maturity and expression.
  • The creation of the Wild Things’ world epitomizes the boundless potential of a child’s imagination. 
  • The book promotes the importance of fantasy for children to navigate and cope with real-world feelings and situations.
  • Max’s adventure can be seen as a metaphor for growth.
  • He learns that while he can explore his independence and freedom, there is comfort in the love and safety of home, suggesting an understanding of the balance between autonomy and connectedness.
  • By becoming the king of the Wild Things, Max gains a new perspective on managing his and others’ emotions. 
  • This hints at the development of empathy and the realization that one’s actions affect others.
  • Max’s return home ultimately signifies the innate human need for love and belonging. 
  • Despite his escapades and asserting self, he recognizes the importance of being understood and cared for.
  • Each of these themes is conveyed with an exact text that is rich in subtext, making “Where The Wild Things Are” a book that speaks on multiple levels to various ages, with the universal message that emotions are a natural part of the human experience and that love and understanding can help to tame the wildest of internal ‘Wild Things.’

CONTROVERSIES AND LEGACY

  • Upon its release in 1963, “Where The Wild Things Are” faced issues due to its groundbreaking approach to children’s literature. 
  • The book presented themes of anger, fear, and mischief that were controversial by some parents, educators, and librarians accustomed to more didactic and sanitized stories for children. 
  • There was concern that the book’s depiction of disobedience and unbridled emotion could negatively influence young readers. 
  • Instead of portraying an idealized world, Maurice Sendak depicted a more honest and nuanced reflection of childhood, challenging the prevailing norms of children’s books.
  • The depiction of the Wild Things, with their fearsome and grotesque appearances, also contributed to the book’s initial resistance. 
  • Some adults believed these images could be too scary for children. 
  • However, Maurice Sendak thought that children could handle dark and complex themes and that it was essential for literature to acknowledge the reality of children’s emotions and imaginations.
  • Despite these challenges, “Where The Wild Things Are” quickly overcame its initial pushback and became a celebrated classic in children’s literature. 
  • Its legacy can be seen in several areas:
  • The book is renowned for its expressive and intricate illustrations. 
  • Sendak’s art style set a new standard for picture books by blending fine art with storytelling, extending the expressive potential of children’s literature.
  • Sendak’s narrative was one of the first children’s books to explore the complexity of emotions such as anger and solitude. 
  • It opened the door for other authors and illustrators to tackle complicated feelings and narratives in their work.
  • With its focus on emotional intelligence, the book became a valuable resource for educators and psychologists to discuss feelings and behavior with children, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing one’s emotions.
  • The book has been adapted into an opera, an animated short, and a feature film directed by Spike Jonze in 2009, testifying to its enduring resonance with audiences. 
  • References to the book appear across various media, indicating its deep cultural penetration.
  • “Where The Wild Things Are” won the Caldecott Medal in 1964, asserting its significance as a distinguished American picture book for children and cementing Sendak’s reputation as a genre master.
  • Maurice Sendak’s book remains a staple in libraries, schools, and homes, sparking imagination and a love for reading.

Where The Wild Things Are Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Literature Study, Where The Wild Things Are across 24 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Where The Wild Things Are. The impact of Maurice Sendak’s story and his distinctive drawings have broken conventions and set new standards, molding children’s book culture.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Where The Wild Things Are Facts
  2. Fact-Check
  3. Reading Beyond The Lines
  4. Think It Through
  5. In Max’s Shoes
  6. My Own Wild Thing
  7. Being Understood
  8. Thank You Note
  9. 3D Wild Think
  10. Crack The Code
  11. Supper Time

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central theme of “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak?

The central theme of “Where the Wild Things Are” revolves around the imagination, the importance of home, and the journey of self-discovery.

How does Maurice Sendak use illustrations to enhance the story in “Where the Wild Things Are”?

Maurice Sendak’s illustrations in “Where the Wild Things Are” are crucial in conveying the wildness of Max’s imagination and the fantastical world he creates. They capture the emotions and intensity of the story, adding depth and visual narrative to the text

What are some key motifs or symbols found in “Where the Wild Things Are”?

Some key motifs and symbols in “Where the Wild Things Are” include the wild things themselves, representing aspects of Max’s psyche; Max’s wolf suit, symbolizing his wild nature and desire for freedom; and the boat, signifying Max’s journey of self-discovery.

How does Max’s journey in “Where the Wild Things Are” reflect common themes found in children’s literature?

Max’s journey in “Where the Wild Things Are” reflects common themes found in children’s literature, such as the exploration of imagination, the challenges of growing up, and the importance of confronting one’s fears.

What critical reception has “Where the Wild Things Are” received since its publication?

“Where the Wild Things Are” has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication in 1963. It has won numerous awards, including the Caldecott Medal, and is celebrated for its innovative storytelling, rich illustrations, and exploration of complex themes in children’s literature.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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