INSCRIBED BY MAURICE SENDAK TO A CLOSE FRIEND

SENDAK, Maurice. Poster inscribed ["Children's Book Showcase"]. New York: Children's Book Council, 1976. Color poster proof, measuring 19 by 25 inches inches; handsomely framed, entire piece measures 20 by 26 inches. $2800.

Lovely proof of a poster illustrated by Maurice Sendak using characters from Little Red Riding Hood and advertising the Children's Book Showcase, inscribed in the bottom margin for presentation to a neighbor and close friend: "For Michael—from Maurice Sendak. Jan. '76."

This poster proof advertises the Children's Book Showcase sponsored by The Children's Book Council. Drawing on Sendak's love of fairy tale themes, the poster depicts Little Red Riding Hood pointing at a sign for the Children's Book Showcase. The sign is held by the wolf, who is dressed as the grandmother and licking his lips, eager to lure the book-loving Little Red Riding Hood away from her grandmother's house. The poster includes a section at the bottom for place, date, and time, which has not been filled out. Designated "bb" or "not common" by Sendak's bibliographer, Joyce Hanrahan. Hanrahan C51. The former owner of this inscribed poster proof was Maurice Sendak's neighbor, Andrew, from Ridgefield, Connecticut, the brother of the inscribee, Michael. Sendak bought a home and studio in Ridgefield in 1972 with his longtime partner, Eugene Glynn, and lived there until his death. Andrew first encountered Sendak in 1975 during one of his daily dog walks. (Sendak owned many dogs throughout his life, and they often starred in his books.) Andrew was immediately taken with Sendak, who reminded him of his recently deceased father. One day, Andrew called Sendak at home and asked if he could join him on his walks. Andrew and Sendak thus embarked on a 37-year friendship that also included the Andrew's mother, Betty, as well as Andrew's brother. Sendak went on long walks and hikes with Andrew and his family regularly, discussing general life events, opera, and books. He also invited them into his studio to show off works in progress. Andrew's mother, Betty, was an avid reader and collector and she and Sendak would talk late into the night about books. Sendak offered Betty advice about how to find and authenticate rare children's books, which she used to build her collection. Additionally, he frequently bartered for autographs (i.e. a cake for an inscribed drawing). The many inscribed drawings, along with first editions, signed books, and other valuable items grew into one of the country's premier Sendak collections.

A few faint pinpoint spots in bottom margin, minor creases from folding. A near-fine inscribed proof.