Earlier this week, our resident child psychologist, Betsy Brown Braun shared her educated opinion about whether or not the children's classic book WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, was in fact appropriate for it's original audience -- children.  Betsy, offering her take on the content of the book (not the actual film) warned parents to proceed with caution - that Maurice Sendek's words might translate into potentially frightening imagery. 

Now, a former pre-school teacher and author, Brett Berk weighs in too, agreeing with Betsy that this kid's book is not safe for kids.  Brett shares his love for the original format, and it's "brilliant way of capturing the essential childhood struggle: to be in control, and out of control, but feel protected" and the movie as "visually stunning and imaginative as well. And the Wild Things themselves, instead of being cloying like most movie monsters these days, are weird and scary and tender and vindictive and cruel and loving, just like they should be."   

But at the end of the day he says, "leave the little buggers at home. The book has a lightness to its horror, and a brevity, and can be easily closed up and put away. The movie displays the terrifying struggles of childhood in full detail, and while it gets them right, it does so in a very adult manner."

Wondering what the author would say to  parents who worry the film is too scary? In a Newsweek interview this week, Mr. Sendak didn't mince words,  "I would tell them to go to hell. That's a question I will not tolerate."

For Brett's complete review, visit Vanityfair.com or Brettberk.com.