Like countless others I emerged from childhood loving the stories and artwork of Maurice Sendak. Now as an artist myself I would like to know more about him, his techniques and inspiration. The bio is a tiresome read. Obviously Selma Lanes adores Maurice Sendak judging by the gushy and somewhat sycophantic writing. I think she has been so careful to respect his privacy that there is nothing insightful written at all. I reckon she could have done a better job.

For many north american and japanese families, everyone must remember the legendary children book of their young age, "Where the wild things are" by Maurice Sendak. Well, Sendak didn't just draw and write his own children books. He did many other things before actually getting to the success he is at now.
The book goes in detail about Sendak's personal life growing up in Brooklyn, New York, from his very early stage of life as a Polish American child to his approach as an artist at teenage age. The author talks about his influence from his parents and siblings, as well their struggle to survive the recessive economy in America. The author treats Sendak as an artist, who explores mostly around the writings and illustrations of children. The book shows many rare prints and drawings of Sendak. How Sendak plays with art materials and his creativity into both pictorial children books and editorial illustrations. Near the end of the book it also talks about his plans and drawings for theatre art, especially the opera for "Where the Wild Things Are". Something not everyone knew about!
I would say this is a book for any illustration fan or artist to own. But don't get it for your kid, it is no children book, it is an artbook mostly aim for adults and collectors.

This book is the best book ever my children love it! The pictures are awesome nothing can compare to Maurice Sendak's pictures.