Sad news out of Connecticut that the great author and illustrator Maurice Sendak has died. Sendak, of course, is famous for his children's book "Where the Wild Things Are" that was recently turned into a feature movie by director Spike Jonze. Sendak wasn't just a hit with children everywhere, he was also recognized in the highest levels of government as a national treasure. Sendak had drawn an Inaugural poster for the Clintons in 1993 (below)
In 1996 President Bill Clinton awarded Sendak the National Medal of Arts. At the time President Clinton said of Sendak:
"Perhaps no one has done as much to show the power of the written word on children, not to mention on their parents, as Maurice Sendak,"
In the 2008 White House Easter Egg Roll Jenna Bush (daughter of dubya) read "Wild Things" to the kiddies on the lawn. First Lady Laura Bush had "Where the Wild Things Are" on her suggested reading list for young children.
And last year President Obama called the book one of his all time favorites before listening to his daughters (Sasha and Malia) read the book to the egg hunters.
President Barack Obama reads from Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" during the 2011 White House Easter Egg Roll.
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Loved his stories, and characters......my grandchildren all have his books thank to their Grammie. Sorry he is no longer with us and he was a great gift. Be sure to check under the bed.