Childhood is a tricky business. Usually, something goes wrong.

I'd like to believe an accumulation of experience has made me a sort of a grown-up person, so I can have judgment and taste and whatever.

There are so many beautiful things in the world which I will have to leave when I die, but I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready.

Each month is gay, Each season nice, When eating Chicken soup With rice

We've educated children to think spontaneity is inappropriate.

I never set out to write books for children. I don't have a feeling that I'm gonna save children or my life is devoted.

Sendak is in search of what he calls a "yummy death". William Blake set the standard, jumping up from his death bed at the last minute to start singing. "A happy death," says Sendak. "It can be done." He lifts his eyebrows to two peaks. "If you're William Blake and totally crazy.