Maurice Sendak received the 1964 Caldecott Medal for Where the Wild Things Are. Both the text and the illustrations brilliantly capture an angry little boy’s fantasies upon being sent to bed without any supper. In the 40 years since Max first cried “Let the wild rumpus start,” Sendak’s classic picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children’s books of all time. Spike Jonze adapted the book for the big screen in 2009.
Maurice Sendak, 1928-2012: His Legacy in Books
The beloved children’s book artist died on May 8 at age 83. TIME looks back at the books he wrote and illustrated.
Where The Wild Things Are
Full List
Maurice Sendak Illustrations