Maurice Sendak

Maurice Sendak was an American illustrator and writer of children's books, best known for his book Where the Wild Things Are.

Illustrator

1928

92

Brooklyn, New York

Maurice Sendak, an American illustrator and children’s book author, is best known for his iconic work “Where the Wild Things Are,” which was first published in 1963. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish-Polish parents, Sendak experienced the loss of numerous family members during his childhood. Despite some controversy surrounding the grotesque appearance of the characters in “Where the Wild Things Are,” the book gained international acclaim and remains a beloved children’s classic. In the 1950s, Sendak honed his artistic skills as a window dresser for FAO Schwarz. Throughout his career, he received various awards, including the Caldecott Medal and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Some of his other notable works are “In the Night Kitchen,” “Outside Over There,” and “Dear Mili.” Sendak’s contributions to children’s literature continue to inspire young readers and writers.