Title: My Brother’s Book
Author: Maurice Sendak
First published January 1, 2013
32 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062234896 (ISBN10: 0062234897)
Rating: 3.66
Overview
Maurice Sendak’s final masterpiece, My Brother’s Book, is a heartbreaking tribute to his beloved late brother, Jack. With an ode to Shakespeare and William Blake, Sendak’s poignant poetry and exquisite artwork come together to redefine what readers expect from the master author.
This book is a testament to the love and passion that Sendak and Jack shared for writing and drawing. The legacy that Maurice Sendak created over his illustrious career will continue to captivate readers, both young and old, and this book is no exception.
My Brother’s Book is a powerful expression of grief and love that will resonate with lifelong fans, who will be delighted to discover this new treasure. Literary critic and scholar Stephen Greenblatt provides a moving introduction that pays homage to the genius of Maurice Sendak.
About the Author
Maurice Bernard Sendak, a beloved American author and illustrator of children’s literature, is most recognized for his renowned book “Where the Wild Things Are,” which was published in 1963. A school located in North Hollywood, California, catering to students from kindergarten to grade five, has been named after him as a tribute to his contributions.
Sendak was born in Brooklyn, New York to Polish-Jewish parents. He was influenced to pursue his career as an illustrator after watching Walt Disney’s movie when he was twelve years old.
In 1947, his illustrations were published for the first time in a textbook named by Dr. Maxwell Leigh Eidinoff. He mostly worked as an artist for children’s books in the 1950s before he began writing his own stories.
Editoral Review
My Brother’s Book by Maurice Sendak is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book that explores themes of love, loss, and grief. Maurice Sendak, who is best known for his classic children’s book Where the Wild Things Are, wrote and illustrated My Brother’s Book shortly before his death in 2012.
The book is a poetic tribute to Sendak’s late brother, Jack, who passed away in 1995. The story follows two brothers, Jack and Guy, who become separated after a tumultuous storm.
Guy ventures off into a magical realm filled with inexplicable creatures, while Jack is left alone to grieve and search for his brother. The tale is interwoven with symbolic imagery and references to Shakespearean literature, further emphasizing its sense of artistic depth.
What sets My Brother’s Book apart from other children’s books is its profound emotional resonance. Sendak’s depiction of loss and mourning is especially poignant, evoking the complexity of human emotions through stunningly vivid images and language.
The characters of Jack and Guy are vividly portrayed, and their love for each other is palpable on every page. Despite its focus on grief, My Brother’s Book is not without its moments of levity.
The fantastical world that Guy ventures into is filled with delightful surprises and whimsical creatures, from talking birds to moon-faced giants. However, these elements never undermine the gravity of the story’s central theme, and instead serve to further highlight the bond between the two brothers.
In terms of its craftsmanship, the book is a work of art. Sendak’s illustrations are breathtaking, featuring a mix of sepia tones and vibrant hues that perfectly capture the story’s varied emotions.
The text is equally stunning, with evocative language that pulls the reader into the story and never lets go. Overall, My Brother’s Book is a triumph.
It succeeds in portraying the complexity of human emotion in a way that few children’s books manage to do, and is a testament to Sendak’s genius as an artist and writer. Any reader, regardless of age, will find themselves deeply moved by this book, and it should be regarded as a classic in the realm of children’s literature.
Rating: 5/5
Recommended for: Children and adults alike who enjoy emotionally resonant books filled with beautiful imagery and complex themes. This book is especially poignant for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.
