Sendak's work lived 'Wild' life in movies, TV

By Randee Dawn

Maurice Sendak, who passed away Tuesday from complications following a stroke, was primarily known as a children's book author and illustrator. But Sendak was never afraid of adapting his pictures and words into alternative media, which is how his most famous book, "Where the Wild Things Are" ended up as an animated short, a full-length feature and even an opera.

He was closely involved early on in "Sesame Street," and contributed several animated shorts of his stories to the show -- one of which, "Bumble-Ardy," featured Jim Henson's voice. Another famous name, Carole King, lent her voice to Sendak's 1975 animated TV show of "Really Rosie," and over the years he contributed to PBS projects, designed sets for operas and ballets and created "Seven Little Monsters" for Canadian television in 2003.

Sendak's work, whether adapted by himself or by others, has proved a rich, everlasting source of entertainment for children and adults alike. Here are a few must-see videos we turned up for Sendak lovers everywhere:

1. Jim Henson voices "Bumble-Ardy"

2. "The Night Kitchen"

3. "Really Rosie, Part 1" (here's Part 2)

4. Trailer for the 2009 film of "Where the Wild Things Are." Sendak approved of director Spike Jonze.

5. Amanda Palmer (wife of author Neil Gaiman) sings The Dresden Dolls' song, "Pierre," inspired by Sendak's book.

6. The University of Georgia's Journalism School's clay-animated take on "Where the Wild Things Are"

7. "Where the Wild Things Are" 1983 computer graphics animation test for Disney, directed by Pixar's John Lasseter

8. "Where the Wild Things Are"

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