Maurice Sendak at the 'Where the Wild Things Are' film premiere in New YorkIt has become one of the most famous and successful children's books of modern times, but for the parents whose children are begging to see the movie adaptation, there are concerns that it is on the scary side.

If you're looking to have your worried mind eased, however, you might be best avoiding the author, Maurice Sendak.

First published in 1963, Where the Wild Things Are tells the story of naughty child, Max, who is sent early to bed only to find himself travelling by boat to a land of wild monsters and has been a firm favourite ever since its first release.

But speaking about the film version to Newsweek, Sendak insisted that he would "not tolerate" parental concerns over their potentially frightened children.

"I would tell them to go to hell. And if children can't handle the story, they should 'go home'.

"Or wet your pants. Do whatever you like. But it's not a question that can be answered."

Sendak also revealed that he fell out of love with Mickey Mouse when the Disney favourite became too safe. The original Mickey, who still had teeth, was "more dangerous," the author said.

"He did things to Minnie that were not nice. I think what happened was the he became so popular – this is my own theory – they gave his cruelty and his toughness to Donald Duck.

"And they made Mickey a fat nothing. He's too important for products. They want him to be placid and nice and adorable. He turned into a schmaltzer. I despised him after a point."

It might be a children's favourite, but it seems the real Sendak is considerably scarier than his famous story.