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.

I'm not afraid of death.

I'm not afraid of death.

What I do as best I can is out of a deep respect for childre

What I do as best I can is out of a deep respect for children, for how difficult their world is.

And Max, the king of all wild things, was lonely and wanted

And Max, the king of all wild things, was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all.

That always seemed to be the most critical test that a child

That always seemed to be the most critical test that a child was confronted with - loss of parents, loss of direction, loss of love. Can you live without a mother and a father?

I have nothing now but praise for my life. I'm not unhappy.

I have nothing now but praise for my life. I'm not unhappy. I cry a lot because I miss people. They die and I can't stop them. They leave me and I love them more...

Life Death Age Inspirational

Most children - I know I did when I was a kid - fantasize an

Most children - I know I did when I was a kid - fantasize another set of parents. Or fantasize no parents. They don't tell their real parents about that - you don't want to tell Mom and Dad. Kids lead a very private life. And I was a typical child, I think. I was a liar.

Most children - I know I did when I was a kid - fantasize an

Most children - I know I did when I was a kid - fantasize another set of parents. Or fantasize no parents. They don't tell their real parents about that - you don't want to tell Mom and Dad.

My life in Brooklyn was in constant danger because of my bad

My life in Brooklyn was in constant danger because of my bad health.

There must be more to life than having everything.

There must be more to life than having everything.

I became a set designer for opera. I'm a great opera buff, I

I became a set designer for opera. I'm a great opera buff, I love classical music, and I needed a time-out.

As a kid, all I thought about was death.

As a kid, all I thought about was death.

Girls are infinitely more complicated than boys and women mo

Girls are infinitely more complicated than boys and women more than men. And there's no doubt about that. We just don't like to think about it. Certainly the men don't like to think about it.

I mean, being a child was being a child, was being a creatur

I mean, being a child was being a child, was being a creature without power, without pocket money, without escape routes of any kind. So I didn't want to be a child.

As a kid, all I thought about was death. But you can't tell

As a kid, all I thought about was death. But you can't tell your parents that.

There are certain pieces of music that are always attached t

There are certain pieces of music that are always attached to certain books.

I don't need faith.

I don't need faith.

Once you are labeled 'the best' you want to stay up there, a

Once you are labeled 'the best' you want to stay up there, and you can't do it by loafing around.

I'd like to believe an accumulation of experience has made m

I'd like to believe an accumulation of experience has made me a sort of a grown-up person, so I can have judgment and taste and whatever.

Childhood is a tricky business. Usually, something goes wron

Childhood is a tricky business. Usually, something goes wrong.

I think people should be given a test much like driver's tes

I think people should be given a test much like driver's tests as to whether they're capable of being parents! It's an art form. I talk a lot. And I think a lot. And I draw a lot. But never in a million years would I have been a parent. That's just work that's too hard.