We asked our literary and media pals for their favourite Sendak book or memory
Andrew Pyper, author of The Guardians
Maurice Sendak wasn’t afraid to frighten. Of all the well-meaning lies we tell our kids, “There’s nothing to be afraid of” is probably the most misleading. We may have to learn about the shape of love and joy and forgiveness, but we’re born knowing fear. Sendak reminded us of how natural this is.
Damian Abraham, lead singer of Fucked Up
Obviously like just about every North American child born since Where The Wild Things Are first came out, I have tons of childhood memories surrounding that book. But it is the absolutely stunning pop-up picture book Mommy? that my son has chosen to take as one of his bedtime favourites. The playfully frighting illustrations leaping off the page makes him laugh every reading. Precious few artists or writers will ever be able to lay claim to being something parents look forward to sharing with their children.
