Favorite Book Fridays: In Honor of Maurice Sendak (1928-2012)

Since Maurice Sendak passed away earlier this week, we thought we would honor his memory by sharing some of our fond memories and  favorite books that he has written and illustrated during his career.

From Amber:
A few of my many favorite Maurice Sendak offerings are the lovely and expressive line drawings that accompany Ruth Krauss's definitions in the books A Hole is to Dig and Open House for Butterflies. Both books are packed to the gills with naughty, and sweet, and imaginitive children exploring their world with delight.

From Holly:

I have fond memories of Little Bear from when I was growing up, and now I share Little Bear stories with my little boy, who loves them just as much. For the longest time I thought Maurice Sendak was the author, but he actually is the illustrator. I also thoroughly enjoyed Stephen Colbert's irreverent interview of him on The Colbert Report (Here is Part 2 of that interview).

From Janet:
My favorite Maurice Sendak books are the ones from The Nutshell Library.  This little series includes the titles One Was Johnny, Alligators All Around, Chicken Soup with Rice, and Pierre.  I remember distinctively in grade school when my school librarian had us watch a video (yes, it was VHS!) of the Nutshell gang as they danced around to the vocalized text from the book and accompanying musical background.  I loved the catchy tunes, and watching these characters dance around on the screen (especially the alligators and Pierre!).  Plus, my family bought the cassette tape with the songs on it from the Scholastic Book Fair...which got a lot of use!  Today I own the video with all the animated stories.

From Lisa:

Our dear Maurice was definitely a man of many interests, though very particular ideals. As he discusses in this 2001 interview with NPR, when he was first approached to come collaborate on a new adaptation and design for Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker on the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s stage, his initial reaction was to turn down the project, which he perceived as predictable and banal. Then, he looked a little closer at the meat of E.T.A. Hoffman’s original story and discovered a darkness and honesty about the challenges of growing up that suited his aesthetic perfectly. PNW Ballet’s production of Nutcracker, complete with Sendak’s sets and storytelling, premiered in December, 1983, and to this day it remains one of the most famous and beloved versions of this perennial holiday favorite. You can still trek up to Seattle every year to see it! In the meantime, check out the full text E.T.A. Hoffman’s story, enhanced by Sendak’s darkly gorgeous illustrations.