Little Bear was the first of the five classic books about a funny and strikingly childlike bear cub and his friends. Maurice Sendak drew the warm, tender illustrations that helped make Little Bear a beloved character. The books later spawned Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear, an Emmy-nominated television show that aired from 1995-2003.
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.
Little Bear
Full List
Maurice Sendak Illustrations