Maurice Sendak Dies at 83

Posted on May 8, 2012

The New York Times reports that bestselling children's author Maurice Sendak has died at the age of 83. According to Sendak's editor, Michael di Capua, Sendak died from complications of a recent stroke. Best known for his iconic picture book Where the Wild Things Are, Sendak also wrote In the Night Kitchen, Outside Over There, The Sign on Rosie's Door, Higglety Pigglety Pop! Or, There Must Be More to Life and The Nutshell Library.

Sendak changed children's literature with his disregard for the conventions of the genre. His small heroes and heroines were often grumpy and challenged the status quo. The books were quite dark for children's books of the time.

Sendak was recently interviewed by Stephen Colbert. In the interview, Sendak said his best known book, Where the WIld Things Are, was not a children's book. Sendak said he has never written a children's book.

Sendak's first picture book in 30 years was issued by HarperCollins last September. Bumble-Ardy was a New York Times bestseller which told the tale of an orphaned pig who throws himself a birthday party. According to the Times obituary, Sendak's longtime partner Eugene Glynn predeceased him in 2007 and he has no surviving family members.