Maurice Sendak Quotes

A collection of quotes by Maurice Sendak.

Maurice Sendak (1928-2012) was an acclaimed American author and illustrator best known for his iconic children's picture book, "Where the Wild Things Are." He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Polish-Jewish immigrant parents. Sendak discovered his love for drawing at a young age and decided to pursue a career in illustration.

In the 1950s, he collaborated with various authors in creating illustrations for children's books. However, it was in 1963 that Sendak's career skyrocketed with the publication of "Where the Wild Things Are." This groundbreaking book, which he both wrote and illustrated, challenged the traditional notions of children's literature. With its dark and imaginative illustrations and a story that delves into the feelings of a young boy, the book became an instant classic and garnered numerous awards.

Sendak continued to produce beloved works, such as "In the Night Kitchen" and "Outside Over There," which further showcased his unique storytelling and distinctive style. Throughout his career, he received multiple awards and honors, including the prestigious Caldecott Medal. Sendak's work has had a lasting impact on children's literature, inspiring generations of readers and fellow authors.

Maurice Sendak's contributions to the field of children's literature go beyond his distinctive illustrations and captivating stories. He expanded the boundaries of what children's books can explore, challenging conventional narratives and addressing complex emotions. His work continues to inspire and delight readers of all ages, ensuring his legacy as one of the most influential and celebrated authors and illustrators of all time.

Oh, I adored Mickey Mouse when I was a child. He was the emb

Oh, I adored Mickey Mouse when I was a child. He was the emblem of happiness and funniness. You went to the movies then, you saw two movies and a short. When Mickey Mouse came on the screen and there was his big head, my sister said she had to hold onto me. I went berserk.

Maurice Sendak

Happiness

To get a child's trust - you may know or not - is a very har

To get a child's trust - you may know or not - is a very hard thing to do. They're so used to not believing adults - because adults tell tales and lies all the time.

Maurice Sendak

Trust

My father could be very witty, even if the humor was always

My father could be very witty, even if the humor was always on the darker side of irony.

Maurice Sendak

Humor

I adored Mickey Mouse when I was a child. He was the emblem

I adored Mickey Mouse when I was a child. He was the emblem of happiness and funniness.

Maurice Sendak

Happiness

Do parents sit down and tell their kids everything? I don't

Do parents sit down and tell their kids everything? I don't know. I don't know. I've convinced myself - I hope I'm right - that children despair of you if you don't tell them the truth.

Maurice Sendak

Hope

I've convinced myself - I hope I'm right - that children des

I've convinced myself - I hope I'm right - that children despair of you if you don't tell them the truth.

Maurice Sendak

Hope

In plain terms, a child is a complicated creature who can dr

In plain terms, a child is a complicated creature who can drive you crazy. There's a cruelty to childhood, there's an anger.

Maurice Sendak

Anger

I want to be alone and work until the day my heads hits the

I want to be alone and work until the day my heads hits the drawing table and I'm dead. Kaput. I feel very much like I want to be with my brother and sister again. They're nowhere. I know they're nowhere and they don't exist, but if nowhere means that's where they are, that's where I want to be.

Maurice Sendak

Alone

I hate those e-books. They can not be the future... they may

I hate those e-books. They can not be the future... they may well be... I will be dead.

Maurice Sendak

Future

The distinctions of fine art bore me to death.

The distinctions of fine art bore me to death.

Maurice Sendak

Death

When I did 'Bumble-ardy,' I was so intensely aware of death.

When I did 'Bumble-ardy,' I was so intensely aware of death. Eugene, my friend and partner, was dying here in the house when I did 'Bumble-ardy'. I did 'Bumble-ardy' to save myself. I did not want to die with him. I wanted to live, as any human being does.

Maurice Sendak

Death