When I did Bumble-ardy, I was so intensely aware of death. Eugene, my friend and partner, was dying here in the house when I did Bumble-ardy. I did Bumble-ardy to save myself. I did not want to die with him. I wanted to live, as any human being does. – Maurice Sendak
Childhood is a tricky business. Usually, something goes wrong. – Maurice Sendak
Oh, I adored Mickey Mouse when I was a child. He was the emblem of happiness and funniness. You went to the movies then, you saw two movies and a short. When Mickey Mouse came on the screen and there was his big head, my sister said she had to hold onto me. I went berserk. – Maurice Sendak
Most children – I know I did when I was a kid – fantasize another set of parents. Or fantasize no parents. They dont tell their real parents about that – you dont want to tell Mom and Dad. Kids lead a very private life. And I was a typical child, I think. I was a liar. – Maurice Sendak