Sendak

Sendak is a surname. The name is most widely recognized due to Maurice Sendak (1928–2012), an American author and illustrator of children's books. Sendak's best-known work, Where the Wild Things Are (1963), is celebrated for its exploration of childhood imagination and emotion, as well as its distinctive illustrations. Across a long career, he produced numerous picture books and collaborations that combined fantasy with psychological insight, earning him widespread critical acclaim and several honors, including the Caldecott Medal for Where the Wild Things Are.

Because of Maurice Sendak, the surname Sendak is most often associated with his contributions to literature in contemporary discussions of children's books. The name remains relatively uncommon and is encountered mainly in the United States and in communities with Jewish heritage. Other individuals with the surname may exist, but none have achieved the same level of prominence in widely circulated sources.