Happy 85^th birthday to a legend in the children’s literature world, Maurice Sendak. We wish you were here to celebrate with us, but you’ve indeed already given us so many wild memories.

Here’s a few of our favorites from this past year:

• WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Gala 2013
• Original Gala artwork inspired by “Where The Wild Things Are”
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reads “Where The Wild Things Are” to Amidon-Bowen Elementary
• Google’s doodle

Here’s to you, Maurice!

What a “wild rumpus” for all! Last night more than 350 book people turned out to support Reading Is Fundamental at our 2013 WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Gala.

Maurice Sendak’s iconic book came to life as the Four Seasons of Washington, D.C., was transformed into a jungle where any wild thing would feel at home.

Led by author and designer Tracy Hutson of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” we celebrated the work of RIF and our Volunteers of the Year, heard from renowned historian and children’s book critic Leonard Marcus about Sendak’s legacy, and honored our longtime partners at Macy’s.

In an experience not to be forgotten, the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – a children’s book author himself – spoke with the crowd about his love of reading and treated us to a reading of Sendak’s iconic book.

The evening was sweetly capped off with a Monster Chocolate Bash and an overwhelming sense of commitment to RIF’s work on behalf of millions of children across the nation, who count on RIF for the books that give them a chance to dream big. Just like Max and his Wild Things.

Check out our photos from the wild night on our Flickr page. 

Photo Source: Art copyright  © 1963 by Maurice Sendak

Get in the Gala spirit—participate in our online artwork auction before anyone else gets a chance to at the Gala. This exclusive collection allows you to bid on one-of-a-kind pieces including some works created specifically for this event!

• Dr. Seuss; Green Eggs and Ham
• Dr. Seuss; Horton & Friends
• Dr. Seuss; The Lorax Book Cover
• Dr. Seuss; The Sneetches
• Dr. Seuss; Turtle Tower
• The Party by Ashley Bryan
• Pig in Pond by Mark Teague
• Swamp Chomp by Paul Meisel
• Moose with Bongos by Paul O. Zelinsky
• Octopus Reading by Peter Sis
• Sailboat by Peter Sis
• Man on Stage by Peter Sis
• Man on Moped by Chris Raschka
• First Snow by Rosemary Wells
• The Wild Little Horse by Ashley Wolff
• An homage to “Where The Wild Things Are” by Tony DiTerlizzi
• An homage to “Where The Wild Things Are” by William Joyce
• Max (an homage to “Where The Wild Things Are”) by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
• Max and RIF signed poster by Maurice Sendak

There are so many pieces of art to choose from, it’s really such a treasure to find these priceless pieces on sale at such a reasonable price while raising money for such an important cause.

Best of luck on your bid!

We’re thrilled for this year’s WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Gala on May 9 for so many reasons. Case in point: illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi’s generous donation of artwork to be auctioned off at the Gala. Tony is one of several incredible illustrators who is paying tribute to Maurice Sendak’s classic work through donated artwork to RIF’s gala.

From sketches to final product, Tony has been updating us with Twitpic, Instagram, and Facebook posts about his progress. Learn about Tony’s process and his inspiration here: http://diterlizzi.com/home/rifs-where-the-wild-things-are-gala/

And remember, tickets are still on sale. Learn more: http://www.rif.org/us/get-involved/2013-where-the-wild-things-are-gala.htm