Where the Wild Things Are: questions to ask and activities to try
Max is wild, gets sent to his room, and sails off to rule the wild things. One of the best-loved picture books ever written, it's really about anger and coming home to love.
What age is it for? Where the Wild Things Are is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Anger and wild moods, and knowing you're still loved.
Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Anger and wild moods, and knowing you're still loved
Enjoy the rumpus pages loudly, then read the ending slowly. The hot supper is the heart of it: after big feelings, Max is still loved.
What it helps with
- Anger and wild moods
- Knowing you're still loved after being naughty
- Imagination as a way to work through feelings
- Coming back together after a falling-out
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why was Max sent to his room?”
- “How do you think Max felt?”
- “What did Max do with the wild things?”
- “Why did Max want to go home?”
- “Who left his supper for him? What does that tell you?”
- “Do you ever feel wild like Max?”
5-minute activities to try together
Rumpus and rest
Have a one-minute wild rumpus, then a one-minute rest lying still. Talk about how each felt in your body.
Make a wild thing
Draw your own wild thing and give it a name. What makes it feel wild? What helps it calm down?
Free printables: Where the Wild Things Are worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… (Molly Bang)
- Best for
- Explosive anger, and calming down afterwards
- Age
- 3-7
The Gruffalo (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Feeling scared, and using your wits
- Age
- 3-6
Grumpy Monkey (Suzanne Lang and Max Lang)
- Best for
- Grumpy moods that don't have a clear reason
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.