RIF Blog » Maurice Sendak

Sendak Celebration

Bethany — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:42:32 +0000

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:

Here’s to you, Maurice!

Wild Night

Bethany — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:49:38 +0000

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.

Wild Art

Jay — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:20:11 +0000

An homage to “Where The Wild Things Are” by William Joyce

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!

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!

Gala Excitement

Bethany — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:49:36 +0000

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

We’ll Eat You Up

Jay — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:40:48 +0000

We Love You So

Maurice Sendak was a true friend to RIF. As far back as 1979, he provided this illustration for our Year of the Child campaign. And just recently, he signed many of these posters for RIF’s 45th anniversary, helping us raise funds to get books to kids to need them most. He was an inspiration to advocates for children everywhere.

But he was so much more to us — and to Book People all over the world. From giving children the freedom to be energetic, afraid and even unruly to giving parents bedtime stories that absorbed them as much as their children, he left behind a legacy that went far beyond reshaping the world of children’s books. His work reshaped children’s worlds.

Thank you, Mr. Sendak. Share how his work shaped your world in the comments below.