'Where the Wild Things Are' Author Dies at 83

Culture

Maurice Sendak, the reknowned children's book author and illustrator, died at the age of 83. His death came four days after suffering a stroke. The author of numerous children's book, Sendak's most famous book Where the Wild Things Are, received acclaim for portraying the darker sides of childhood. Upon winning the Caldecott Medal in 1963 Sendak said, "From their earliest years children live on familiar terms with disrupting emotions ... And it is through fantasy that children achieve catharsis. It is the best means they have for taming wild things."

Throughout his career, Sendak's books faced harsh criticism and attempted banning. Still, his work was cherishd by millions -- including U.S. presidents. Sendak was awarded the National Medal of the Arts by President Clinton in 1996, and in 2009 President Obama read Where the Wild Things Are at the White House Easter Egg Roll.  

Today, people around the world are expressing their gratitude and respect for Sendak and his work. Along with thousands of others, celebrities are taking to Twitter to express their sadness and thanks. Sendak will be missed, but thanks to his work we can forever join Max in his search for life's wild things. 

In January, Stephen Colbert interviewed Sendak. Check out the two part interview below: