Maurice Sendak is an Jewish-American writer and illustrator born June 10, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York. He both wrote and illustrated the book. It was published in 1963 and became an immediate hit. The story received the Caldecott prize for Most Distinguished American Picture book for children in 1964. Sendak’s books are somewhat controversial because of his drawings and subject matter, but the kids eat it up.
“Where the Wild Things Are” is now a major motion picture. In 1966 the United States Postal Service issued a set of stamps for the best children’s books. His story was one of the stamps.
Sendak’s “Little Bear” stories are now a TV series and appear on Treehouse TV here in Canada. Sendak is still living and is now 81. He helped write the screenplay for this movie.
WRITINGS & RAMBLINGS 
As scary as this book was to me as a child I loved it too. Thanks for the post. I didn’t know he helped write the screenplay for the movie, that’s wonderful to hear.
Thanks to all for the posts. An interesting story. Cindy went to the movie last evening and liked it.
Scary for sure.
The Wild Things is a classic book that spans the test of time. Even kids in this new electronic age love this book. It is so simple yet so effective. The illustrations are incredible and lead your imagination into different places. This is one of my all time favorite children’s books. Max reminds me of Damian! I want to take the kids to the movie this weekend, Love yah
Thanks for the comments Cindy. Love you
believe it or not, i used to be scared of that book as a child!
Yes the book can be scary for too young children, but then just wait until they get as little older. Appreciate your comment.