Let the Wild Rumpus Start

Any fan of Maurice Sendak, best known for the wonderful and beautiful children's book Where the Wild Things Are, should take a few moments to read about the author and illustrator in a recent New York Times article.

I must admit, I had no idea about who he was, so the entire piece was interesting to me. It never occurred to me that he was gay, nor that he was a curmudgeon; this latter point actually intrigues me considering the character of Max in the story. But his attitude toward himself — one of self-doubt and of middling significance — I suspect is fairly typical of writers and artists. We often feel that we are not contributing anything of value to the world we hope to beautify and make better.

In Sendak's case, he created one of the greatest, most beloved stories about childhood and imagination ever conceived.

And it's still hot.

Rage on, Mr. Sendak. Do not go gentle.