Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are has sparked the imaginations of generations of readers since its publication in 1963. As an artist, illustrator, and author, Sendak expanded the scope of children’s literature to acknowledge children as intelligent individuals with powerful emotions—boredom, anger, fear and, of course, the need to be where someone loved them best of all—has sparked the imaginations of generations of readers since its publication in 1963.

Sendak’s love of art and books began as a child, when he was often sick and confined to bed. He would later infuse his stories and illustrations with these early experiences of illness and family tragedy, but also the joy and magic of his astounding imagination. This exhibition celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Where the Wild Things Are with original drawings, prints, posters and more from one of the greatest children’s authors of the 20th century.

GRAM celebrates the 50th anniversary of this classic children’s book April 9-May 22 with an exhibition of Sendak’s work. For more info, call 616.831.1000 or go here.