Exhibit Explores Jewish Influence on 'Where the Wild Things Are'

"And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!" 

The wild rumpus certainly started May 19, as a traveling exhibition focused on renowned writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak opened at the (HPPL).

The exhibit, "In A Nutshell: The World’s of Maurice Sendak," explores the influence of Jewish culture and history on the author and illustrator’s famous children’s books, including the 1963 worldwide hit Where the Wild Things Are. 

Though best known for Wild Things, which has sold 19 million copies worldwide as of 2008, the 82-year-old author has illustrated more than 100 picture books. Born in the Brooklyn section of New York City in 1928 to Polish and Jewish immigrant parents, Sendak used many of the elements of his childhood as major influences in his work. 

In Wild Things, the characters are exaggerations of his various Jewish relatives. 

“I came out tonight because I’m interested in Jewish history, the Holocaust and peace in the Middle East,” said Highland Park resident Sondra Pfeffer. “I remember reading Where The Wild Things Are to my grandchildren. I certainly remember those amazing pictures.” 

Upon entering the library Thursday night, visitors were greeted with complimentary cups of chicken noodle soup from Once Upon a Bagel and live music by Jess Godwin. Attendees eventually took their seats in the main room where speakers included the president of the HPPL Board of Trustees, Ken Henry, and newly sworn-in city councilman, David Naftzger. 

Henry expressed excitement that the Highland Park Public Library was one of the first libraries in the nation and the first in the Midwest to serve as host of the exhibit.

“It’s great,” Henry said. “The role of libraries is changing with the digital age, but any time we can increase literacy and get people to participate in events like this, that’s what we strive for.”

Gale Gand, who has been featured on the Food Network and on such programs as Iron Chef and Top Chef, read aloud another Sendak’s popular book In The Night Kitchen while a video of the book’s illustrations played on a projector. Then Godwin performed the song “Chicken Soup” as illustrations from Maurice Sendak’s book Chicken Soup With Rice were projected. 

The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band played while people enjoyed some of the complimentary food and viewed the exhibit itself, which consists of eight two-sided panels with vivid illustrations from Sendak’s books and information about the man. Each panel discusses Sendak’s childhood and the role it played in his illustrations and stories as an adult. 

“I thought it was very interesting and we’ll definitely be here for the rest of the events this summer,” said Highland Park resident David Cooperman, one of Sendak's cousins.

His daughter, Gabriella, was named after one of the characters in Wild Things.

The exhibit opening was one of multiple Sendak events taking place throughout June 24. See below for details on the others. 

The Journey of Jewish Identity in the 20th and 21st Centuries: Confronting the Holocaust, American Freedom and the Rise and Tumultuous History of the State of Israel
June 16, 7 p.m.Michael Berenbaum, a renowned Jewish scholar who consults in the development of museums as well as historical films, will speak on Jewish identity.

A Conversation with Welz Kauffman and Brian Dickie
June 23, 7 p.m.
WFMT host George Preston moderates a conversation with Welz Kauffman, Ravinia Festival’s president, who has presented forgotten music of the Holocaust. The program will also feature Brian Dickie, Chicago Opera Theater’s director, who has collaborated with Maurice Sendak on several productions.  Costumes and set pieces from Chicago Opera Theater’s production of Brundibar, designed by Sendak, will be on display.