It’s nice to wake up in the morning and find orders waiting to be processed, today was no exception, but it was rather different than normal in that every single one of them was for something written or illustrated by Maurice Sendak. A quick search on Google revealed the reason; Maurice Sendak, proclaimed, "the Picasso of children's books" by Time magazine and best known for his iconic book "Where the Wild Things Are," has died aged 83.
There will be hundred’s of words written about Maurice Sendak over the next few days and weeks, but I prefer to pay tribute by sharing some of my favourite illustrations.
The sign on Rosie's door - story and pictures by Maurice Sendak. "First" Lenny explained, "I throw my fireman's hat up in the air and then the one who catches it can keep it. Everybody want to play?". Lenny threw the hat high into the air and it landed on Rosie's window ledge. "We'll have to climb up for it," said Alinda. So they did. Sal climbed on top of Pudgy. Dolly climbed on top of Sal. Kathy on top of Dolly...
Dear Mili by Wilhelm Grimm illustrations by Maurice Sendak. But it was not God's will that the happy life they led together should continue, for a terrible war overran the whole country.
Just as she had expected, she felt lighter at heart. Rain began to fall, and she took comfort and said: "God and my heart are weeping together." There she sat until the shower had passed. When she stood up and looked at the sky, she saw little fleecy clouds and the evening sun was shining on them. And she thought: God is feeding His sheep with roses, why would He forget me? So she started off again.
They had fallen happily asleep, and between them lay Saint Joseph's rose in full bloom.
What do you say dear by Sesyle Joslin pictures by Maurice Sendak. You have gone downtown to do some shopping. You are walking backwards, because sometimes you like to, and you bump into a crocodile.What do you say, dear?
Excuse me!
The Moon Jumpers by Janice May Udry pictures by Maurice Sendak. As the sun grows tired and drops behind the drowsy hills four barefoot children and a black cat dance and play and tell each other stories in their moon-drenched garden.
Maurice Sendak 1928 - 2012
This is a nice tribute to someone who was so talented. These are wonderful choices. An old, old copy of Where the Wild Things Are was the only I got from the Occupy Wall Street Library when I went there and I am glad I did since I didn't have one anymore.
ReplyDeleteWe are having similar thoughts today! Beautiful tribute with such wonderful photos of Mr. Sendack!
ReplyDeleteHello Alex, I don’t have a copy of where the wild things are either, but I must try to rectify that. I’m glad you enjoyed this tribute.
ReplyDeleteIt was your post that made me want to write one of my own! I've just left a comment on the post.
ReplyDeleteI learn so much from your blog. I'm sorry to say, I've never heard of him before. But quite the artist.
ReplyDeleteHe was probably best known for ‘Where the wild things are’ published in 1963 and made into a short animated film in the 1970s. Don’t worry about not knowing about him, you feature lots of authors that I’ve not heard about, but I think that’s half the fun of visiting other blogs. I always appreciate your visits Donna, thanks as always for calling in. Barbara.
ReplyDeleteR.I.P. Maurice Sendak. The world has lost an amazing talent that has entertained 3 generations of my family. Thanks for sharing some of his work Barbara.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute. He will be dearly missed, but his work will live on for many generations to come.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. It's a great shame, but he has left a wonderful legacy.
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute Barbara - some gorgeous illustrations. I've also never read his books but have heard of them. I think they made a new movie version of 'Where the Wild Things Are' recently. I've been meaning to watch it - I'm sure now it will be readily available everywhere. A life to be celebrated!
ReplyDeleteNice post Barbara.
ReplyDeleteEverytime I go to a book sale I look for Where the Wild Things Are but come away empty handed.
What a lovely tribute to an amazing illustrator! I especially liked looking through the pictures you selected because I was not familiar with all of them. Now I know some books to check out soon! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI was so sad to hear that he had died. I received that little book of manners as a gift when I was a little girl and I loved the illustrations. Bumping into crocodiles and flying planes into houses... what do you say dear?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon. I forgot about the new movie, but now you mention it, I’m sure you're right. I will have to look out for it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle, I appreciate your kind words. I used to see copies everywhere but none in the last few months, and I expect they will be even harder to find now.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, a crack appeared in my heart when I learned about his passing. I didn't enjoy 'Where the Wild Things Are' after the first reading; smiled at more than a few pages during the second reading; and teared up when I watched the film. The illustrations here are amazing. I'd be checking out 'The Moon Jumpers' and 'Dear Mili' very soon. May he rest (and enjoy his rumpus on the other end) now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing his works.
What a beautiful post Barbara. I had no idea that he died so your blog has just taught me something. How very sad... but what a wonderful and creative life he lived. And you've done great justice to him with this lovely post.
ReplyDeleteHi Jess, I thought it would be nice to feature some slightly less well known illustrations. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you dear! I felt very sad when I read the news – but the good thing is he won’t be forgotten. Thanks for calling in.
ReplyDeleteI had the same feelings about ‘Where the wild things are’ I appreciated the artwork but somehow couldn’t fall in love with the story. I’m going to look for another copy and/or watch the film to see if I feel differently now. I enjoyed the sign on Rosie’s door much more and love the illustrations in the moon jumpers and Dear Mili.
ReplyDeleteThank you Megan, I really appreciate your very sweet comment.
ReplyDeleteTruly beautiful art. I think you did a lovely tribute. Thank you Barb for sharing this....
ReplyDeleteThank you! Thanks also for calling in and leaving a comment, I appreciate your friendship.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful tribute for the life & work of Maurice Sendak. There was tears in my eyes when I read of his passing today. I have loved his books for so long I feel I've come to know him through his art. Thank you also for your brilliant web site. I always enjoy browsing at all your beautiful books and only wish I could afford all of them. With very king regards, Jocey Dyson of West Mersea, Essex.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara - just replying to the last comment you left me. I am on Twitter but only use it for Triberr! The link worked (although it has changed now) - amazing to see my post there! Thank you - did you submit it somehow? I've never looked into how those sites work! - Sharon
ReplyDeleteHello Joyce, thank you so much for leaving such a lovely comment, I really appreciate it. It was a very sad day. Maurice Sendak will be greatly missed but never forgotten and that in itself is a comfort. I’m so glad you enjoy the website – it makes all the hard work worthwhile. Barbara
ReplyDeleteHello Sharon, I don't know how it works either. They follow my Tweets so must have noticed the one about your post. I was delighted to see your name and wanted to let you know. I will answer on your blog – but leaving this in case you call in.
ReplyDelete