Maurice Sendak

Children's Literature

"Maurice Sendak was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 10, 1928. His parents, Philip and Sarah, were from Poland." So begins this simple, straightforward biography of one of the best known figures in children's literature. Part of the Checkerboard "Children's Authors" series, the cradle-to-grave (though in this case, Sendak is still living) format touches upon Sendak's family and his somewhat sickly childhood. Sendak turned inward, observing what he saw out the window in sketches. He loved Twain and created a cartoon, "Pinky Card," for his high school newspaper. After high school, Sendak was working in window display while taking classes at the Art Students League. His introduction to the famous Ursula Nordstrom occurred when he was designing windows for F.A.O. Schwartz. She gave him his first children's picture book illustration job and the rest is history. The origins of Sendak's groundbreaking books, like Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen are detailed. Readers will be amused to learn the Wild Things were based on Sendak's relatives! His interests in theater and opera led to having his books in other forms, such as an animated TV musical, opera and stage play. The 24-page book is illustrated with full-color photographs. Back matter includes web sites, a glossary and an index. 2000, ABDO Publishing,
— Candice Ransom