RIP Maurice Sendak

Earlier today I reblogged a picture of an envelope with a Maurice Sendak drawing on it, saying how I could only dream of one day receiving one. I did not yet know the reason that picture was originally blogged was because he had left us this morning.
Moments before I left for the days tasks, I saw posts saying RIP Maurice Sendak on them. Before I could look into it, or take a moment to pay respect for him, I had to go. I got a call from someone saying they were sorry to hear one of my favorite writers had died. I admitted, just as I will now, Maurice Sendak was not one of my favorite writers. I really like Where the Wild Things Are, just as so many people do. I've seen him in interviews and read quotations from him that make him to be a fascinating, honest artist to me. And I love that he regards children's literature as a higher art form than most give it credit for. Even fans of Where the Wild Things Are. I don't have any other of his books, I'm not familiar with the majority of his work, so I'm not comfortable suddenly calling myself a fan of his simply because he has passed away. I want to give him more respect for that, because at the very least, I really respect him.
So tonight, before bed, I'll read through what is the centerpiece of my bookshelf and appreciate his words, his drawings, and his art. I'll have half a smile. And I'll go to bed, hopefully to dream and go where the wild things are. And then I will roar. I will give a moment of roar for Maurice Sendak.