Author Maurice Sendak Dies; Changed Face of Children’s Books

Maurice Sendak didn't think of himself as a children's author -- but instead as an author who told the truth about childhood.

The author of "Where the Wild Things Are" died today in Connecticut at the age of 83, four days after suffering a stroke.

He told a reporter several months ago, "I like interesting people and kids are really interesting people." And he said they're even more interesting if you don't "paint them in little blue, pink and yellow."

He revolutionized children's books by leaving in what so many other writers had excluded. His kids misbehaved and didn't regret it. In their dreams and nightmares, they fled to the most unimaginable places.

When he received the Caldecott Medal in 1964 for his best-known book, he said children live each day with fear and anxiety -- and he said fantasy is "the best means they have for taming wild things."

His books sold millions of copies, despite efforts by communities to ban them.

"Where the Wild Things Are" became a hit movie in 2009.

Sendak also created costumes for ballets, and he staged operas. He designed sets for several productions. In addition to illustrating his own work, he provided drawings for books by other authors.

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