American Idol

Illustrator and writer Maurice Sendak passed away today from complications of a stroke. He was 83 years of age and was one of my dearest idols. In reaction to news of Sendak's passing, animator Don Hertzfeldt posted the following simultaneously sweet and strange anecdote once told by the author. It made me smile.

“Once a little boy sent me a charming card with a little drawing on it. I loved it. I answer all my children’s letters — sometimes very hastily — but this one I lingered over. I sent him a card and I drew a picture of a Wild Thing on it. I wrote, “Dear Jim: I loved your card.” Then I got a letter back from his mother and she said, “Jim loved your card so much he ate it.” That to me was one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received. He didn’t care that it was an original Maurice Sendak drawing or anything. He saw it, he loved it, he ate it.” ― Maurice Sendak

You touched the lives of so many, Maurice. Rest in peace.

Photo above was taken of Olive perusing her very first picture book, "Little Bear" at 3 weeks-old. Written by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak.