A sad day today in the world of children’s books…the passing of a giant, Maurice Sendak, author of Where the Wild Things Are and many more. He leaves a footprint all will admire and none ever fill. His creations will be read and re-read as long as there are children to imagine; children to shudder, laugh and growl in all the right places.

“So I write books that seem more suitable for children, and that’s OK with me. They are a better audience and tougher critics. Kids tell you what they think, not what they think they should think….Kids don’t know about best sellers,” he said. “They go for what they enjoy. They aren’t star chasers and they don’t suck up. It’s why I like them.” The Associated Press, 2003

“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. … What I dread is the isolation. … There are so many beautiful things in the world which I will have to leave when I die, but I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready.” Terry Gross Fresh Air Interview, 2011

• New York Times: Maurice Sendak, Author of Splendid Nightmares, Dies at 83
• Los Angeles Times: Maurice Sendak, author of ‘Where the Wild Things Are,’ dies at 83
• BBC News: Wild Things author Maurice Sendak dies at 83
• PBS Interviews: Maurice Sendak: “Where the Wild Things Are” & Maurice Sendak on “Brundibar”
• NPR Fresh Air Remembers Maurice Sendak
• NPR Fresh Air Interview with Terry Gross: Maurice Sendak: On Life, Death And Children’s Lit (2011)
• Comedy Central Colbert Nation Video Interview: Grimm Colberty Tales with Maurice Sendak Pt. 1 and Grimm Colberty Tales with Maurice Sendak Pt. 2
• HBO Documentary: Tell Them Anything You Want
• PBS American Masters: About Maurice Sendak
• CBS News Photo Gallery
• Rosenbach Museum & Gallery: Maurice Sendak Collection
• The Jewish Museum, New York: Wild Things: the Art of Maurice Sendak
• Leave a message for his family & friends at Facebook: Maurice Sendak

According to the NYTimes: “A posthumous picture book, “My Brother’s Book” — a poem written and illustrated by Mr. Sendak and inspired by his love for his late brother, Jack — is scheduled to be published next February.” Just one more to look forward to with delicious anticipation.