Talking Points: Maurice Sendak
A collection of sources and imagery to explore the work of Maurice Sendak.
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Maurice Sendak and Where The Wild Things Are
“Maurice Sendak (1928-2012) was born in Brooklyn, New York to Jewish immigrant parents from Poland. A largely self-taught artist, Sendak illustrated over one hundred-fifty books during his sixty-year career.” – The Maurice Sendak Foundation
As well as being an author and illustrator Sendak began a career as a costume and stage designer later in life.
Watch Sendak’s illustrations come to life in this animation.
Find clear images of the illustrations in this video. Stop the video on some of the illustrations and discuss what the children can see. This might also be a good opportunity to create some visual notes.
Questions to Ask Children
What kind of mark making can you see in Sendak’s drawings?
How do you think he made the marks? Can you make the action in the air? Would it be slow and careful, or quick and sketchy?
How would you describe the atmosphere in Sendak’s illustrations?
Can you relate to the characters in the book? If so, how?
Can you name some of the different animal that you recognise in Sendak’s Wild Things?
What is your favourite part of the story? Why do you like it?
How does the story make you feel?
Imagine your own Wild Thing…
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What might it look like and why?
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Is it friendly or frightening? Why?
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How might you interact with your Wild Thing?
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Where does it live and how do you find it?
This Talking Points Is Used In…
Pathway: Drawing and Making Inspired by Maurice Sendak
This is featured in the ‘Drawing and Making Inspired by Maurice Sendak’ pathway
using sketchbooks to make visual notes
Find out how pupils can respond to artists work in sketchbooks
Show me what you see
