Once upon a time, there lived a family with three little children. The mom and the dad enjoyed, very much reading stories to those children, at night before they went to sleep. One day, they learned of an author, who's books were a delight to read, as much for the parent as for the child. Each child had a favorite book from this author.
The oldest child, a daughter loved Really Rosie...I may have loved it more. Not only would we read the book, but we would happily sing the songs that Carole King made famous...Chicken Soup with Rice, Alligators All Around, and One Was Johnny.
Complete and utter joy went into the reading of these stories.
The second, or child in the middle had a different favorite book...
Where the Wild Things Are...she loved this story so much that she dressed as Max for Halloween one year! Yes, she too will miss this author.
The third, and youngest child had one book that he actually taught himself to read at the age of two by memorizing the words on the page.
In The Night Kitchen was not only his favorite, but mine as well. It was such a relief to enjoy a little fantasy while reading these stories that stoked my children's imaginations.
With a grateful heart, I bid adieu to Maurice Sendak...I hope he knew how much his writing touched our lives.
♥, Susan
Oh -- I love your post but this is the first I realized that Maurice Sendak had passed away, so I'm sad too.
I really believe that all of the best children's books have something in them for grownups as well. Not just because we enjoy reading them out loud a lot more, but also because (I think) that as the kids grow, they begin to "get" what they didn't on the first reading--so the books stay with them (us). Those little golden over simplified books are quickly forgotten.
Posted by: Sallie (FullTime-Life) | May 08, 2012 at 02:51 PM
I hadn't realized that he passed away. I love his books too.
Posted by: Ruth | May 08, 2012 at 11:12 PM
Sendak really touched a chord with so many children, and parents, didn't he Susan?
The world lost another great writer/illustrator and we are the poorer for it. Thankfully his books will live on and stay timeless.
Posted by: Pat in New York | May 10, 2012 at 04:30 PM
Oh I'm so sorry to hear this Susan. That explains it. I've been trying to find Really Rosie for my grand daughter who is a huge Carol King fan.
Thank you so much for sharing...
P.S. Alligators All Around Us is another favorite of ours:)
Posted by: Louise | May 19, 2012 at 06:48 PM
Such great books Susan, I didn't know about his passing either. A sweet tribute. Thanks for sharing.
~Emily
The French Hutch
Posted by: Emily | May 21, 2012 at 08:09 PM