‘Where the Wild Things Are’ Author, Maurice Sendak Dies at 83

The man behind one of the most celebrated children’s books, ‘Where the Wild Things Are’, ended his wild rumpus at the age of 83.

After suffering a stroke this past Friday, Sendak was hospitalized and remained there until his death on May 8th.

His attitude towards children and childhood was much different than many adults. As an artist, he believed targeting children as a demographic was a lost cause.

“You cannot write for children. They’re much too complicated. You can only write books that are of interest to them.”

His stories were magical and possessed a unique sense of adventure. Check out the video below that includes images from the book and narration by Mr. Sendak himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh1x9HhqJsM&feature=related

“Once a little boy sent me a charming card with a little drawing on it. I loved it. I answer all my children’s letters — sometimes very hastily — but this one I lingered over. I sent him a card and I drew a picture of a Wild Thing on it. I wrote, “Dear Jim: I loved your card.” Then I got a letter back from his mother and she said, “Jim loved your card so much he ate it.” That to me was one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received. He didn’t care that it was an original Maurice Sendak drawing or anything. He saw it, he loved it, he ate it.”

If you are a fan of Maurice Sendak’s work, make a point to read a children’s book or, “make mischief of one kind and another” in his honor.