Today, June 10, we celebrate the birthday of children’s book author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak. Born in 1928 in New York to Jewish Polish-American parents, he suffered through the loss of extended family in World War II, embraced his love of illustration and unique vision, and became one of the most well-known and beloved authors and illustrators. His first big success was illustrating the childhood classic LITTLE BEAR books by Elsa Holmelund Minarik. He later wrote and illustrated his own books, including WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. His unusual style endeared him to children, and caused his books, including WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, and IN THE NIGHT KITCHEN to be banned or challenged (too scary, too dark, about witchcraft?! Featuring a naked boy. Etc.). He illustrated other books, designed theater sets, and became an icon for his creative influence.
Today is a celebration worthy of Pride Month, as Sendak spent 50 years with his male partner, but never let his parents find out that he was homosexual. The struggle has always been real.
You can watch the reading of WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALmNPxNehYE .
Or get more details about his life at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Sendak