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 »