It was a very difficult time. I was working on [umble-Ardy] when my partner and friend was dying of cancer. We set up a room in the house to be like a hospital room. Eugene died, and then I had bypass surgery. I was doing the book to stay sane while all this was going on.
Maurice SendakWhy is my needle stuck in childhood? I don't know why. I guess it's because that's where my heart is.
Maurice SendakTruthfullness to life-both fantasy life and factual life-is the basis of all great art.
Maurice SendakFrom their earliest years children live on familiar terms with disrupting emotions, fear and anxiety are an intrinsic part of their everyday lives, they continually cope with frustrations as best they can. And it is through fantasy that children achieve catharsis. It is the best means they have for taming Wild Things.
Maurice Sendak