Who Was Maurice Sendak?
Who was? Series
What’s inside...
Maurice Sendak, born on June 10, 1928, shared his birthday with Mickey Mouse's cartoon debut. Sendak, who developed a passion for cartoons and comics at an early age, decided to become an illustrator after watching Disney's Fantasia at age twelve. His early love for children's books was fueled by long periods of illness that kept him bedridden, during which he read extensively. While many of his stories were light and humorous, his most significant works, such as Where the Wild Things Are, In the Night Kitchen, and Outside Over There, explored themes of anger, jealousy, and abandonment, previously unexplored in children's picture books. This illustrated biography not only highlights his career achievements but also delves into his personal life, making it an ideal read for children and admirers of one of the most influential children's book artists of the twentieth century.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Maurice Sendak to create stories and illustrations for kids?
How do you feel when you read a book with pictures? Do illustrations help you understand the story better?
If you could ask Maurice Sendak one question about his life or work, what would it be?
Why do you think stories like 'Where the Wild Things Are' are important for children?
How can telling your own stories through drawing or writing help you express your feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what they believe motivated Maurice Sendak's creativity and how it reflects in his stories.
Discuss the importance of illustrations in children’s books. Ask your child to point out their favorite illustrations and explain what they like about them.
Prepare some background information about Maurice Sendak’s life and achievements to help your child understand his impact on children's literature.
Explore themes of adventure and imagination in Sendak's works. Relate these themes to your child's experiences and aspirations.
Prompt your child to start a creative project, such as drawing their own 'wild things' or writing a short imaginative story, inspired by Sendak’s style.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Maurice Sendak faced numerous rejections before he found success in his career. This narrative highlights his determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up in the face of challenges, whether it's in their studies, sports, or other activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity has no bounds
Explanation: Sendak's imaginative storytelling and illustrations broke conventional norms, encouraging thinking outside the box. His work invites young readers to explore their own creative paths.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express themselves in various forms of art and problem-solving, showing that there's no 'right' way to be creative.
Example Lesson: Embrace uniqueness
Explanation: Maurice Sendak often created characters who were complex and different. This aspect shows the value of embracing individual differences.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and appreciate that everyone is unique, and that being different is not just okay, but wonderful.
Example Lesson: Importance of confronting fears
Explanation: Sendak’s stories often include themes of facing and overcoming fears, embodied by characters who tackle various challenges.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that it is normal to feel scared and that courage comes from facing the things that frighten us, not avoiding them.