Little Bear books (illustrations)
Pierre: A Cautionary Tale in Five Chapters and A Prologue
In the Night Kitchen
Where the Wild Things Are

If only we could all leave behind four works of this quality.

And this was only a small fraction of the great books by Maurice Sendak, who died yesterday at the age of 83. He was one of a handful of people who, in the mid-20th century, altered the landscape of children’s literature.

Where the Wild Things Are is one of a handful of books my mother read to me (when it was new and somewhat subversive) that I, in turn, read to my children. I expect a repeat for many generations to come.

Coincidentally, Stephen Colbert’s I’m A Pole (And So Can You!) was released yesterday. On the cover, above the title, is the following: “The sad thing is: I like it!” – Maurice Sendak

Colbert’s book is, frankly, stupid.  However, we do have Stephen Colbert to thank for having Maurice Sendak on his show earlier this year for one of the most honest, thoughtful, and entertaining interviews ever. Take a look; it is well worth the time. Read the rest of this entry »

Decatur has certainly become a destination for all authors in recent years.  But there’s something about this city that children’s authors can’t get enough of…even the most popular of the bunch!

Dave over at the Little Shop blog crows modestly about the murder of children’s book authors that have flocked into the city limits in the past couple years, beckoned by our self-described “little” bookshop.  It’s an impressive list.

In the category of picture books, we have hosted Greg Mortenson (#1), Jon Scieszka (#10), and Loren Long (also #10) this year. Greg was here in January after the release of Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and “Three Cups of Tea.” Jon was here in 2008 and just back for the Decatur Book Festival. He is the author of Truckery Rhymes, co-illustrated by Loren Long, who lead this year’s DBF children’s parade.

As for chapter books, Maggie Stiefvater, author of Shiver (#6), was in for DBF. We hosted the great Sarah Dessen (Along for the Ride is at #9) a couple of years ago.

Think he’s finished?  He’s just gettin’ started.

This 1888 illustration begs the question: what is more disturbing? A fox trying to eat its natural prey (like say a chicken) or a fox attempting to murder an anthropomorphized sausage?

The illustration above and others can be found in an excellent history of children’s books slideshow on Slate.com, called “Where the Wild Things Came From”. (Click here to view)

If the slideshow makes you nostaligic for great children’s books (like it did for me) might I suggest stopping by Little Shop of Stories on the way home and picking up a couple of classics under the pretense that you’re buying gifts for your 5 year-old nephew’s birthday party?