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Maurice Sendak, author of Caldecott winner, Where the Wild Things Are, changed the fundamental outlook of children’s literature by helping kids know that their wild fantasies were ways of working through problems that still led to a positive outcome. His work was influenced by Walt Disney’s Fantasia and literature of Herman Melville. While some early resistance to Where the Wild Things Are was seen, in the end, most people came to love his books, stories and illustrations.

PBS recently honored him as an American Master. His last major book for children, Swine Lake, was a collaboration with his friend, the author Jim Marshall. Mr. Sendak describes his early career and his inner struggle as an author in the Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Series. Maurice Sendak’s original art and signed prints are still available at the Michelson Gallery.

This Monday, September 15, 2008, there will be a great celebration for Maurice Sendak’s 80th birthday in New York City. It would be great to be able to be there. Where the Wild Things Are!