Maurice Sendak (1928-2015) was a children’s book illustrator and author. Born in Brooklyn to Polish immigrant parents, Sendak insisted that his books weren’t strictly for children. In a radio interview with Terry Gross in 1989, Sendak shared:
Despite the fact that I don’t write with children in mind, I long ago discovered that they make the best audience. They certainly make the best critics. …When children love your book, it’s ‘I love your book, thank you. I want to marry you when I grow up.’ Or it’s ‘Dear Mr. Sendak: I hate your book. Hope you die soon. Cordially…’
His first book, from 1956, was entitled Kenny’s Window. However, it was for Where the Wild Things Are, published in 1963, that he first gained widespread recognition. The latter must have had some influence on the appearance of The Gruffalo (published in 1999).
He wrote and illustrated over 100 titles; amongst them: (The frequently censored) In the Night Kitchen, Bumble-Ardy, Hector Protector and As I Went Over the Water: Two Nursery Rhymes, Nutcracker, Swine Lake and the posthumous Presto and Zesto in Limboland with long-time collaborator, Arthur Yorinks. He won numerous awards for his writing and illustrations including, in 1964, the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal.
As well as all the books he authored and illustrated, there are numerous books about the man himself and his creations. These include Maurice Sendak: A Celebration of the Artist and His Work, Art of Maurice Sendak: 1980 to Present: v. 1 and v. 2, Drawing the Curtain: Maurice Sendak’s Designs for Opera and Ballet and Conversations with Maurice Sendak. In their Sendak obituary, The New York Times deemed him, “the most important children’s book artist of the 20th century”.
The Maurice Sendak Foundation has produced a lovely mini-documentary about the man and his work; watch it below.
Additional image credits:
Pinterest | Vintage Childrens Books my Kid Loves
Image taken from “