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What do you know about the art of Maurice Sendak and Mercer Mayer?

Maurice Sendak and Mercer Mayer were both children's book illustrators who created monsters, but their styles were very different! You have seen a little of Sendak's work, but do you know Mayer's?

Click on each image below to enlarge it and learn more about the work of Maurice Sendak and Mercer Mayer.

where-the-wild-things-are
where-the-wild-things-are

Maurice Sendak is a well-known children's book illustrator who insists that he is not actually a children's book illustrator. He is best known for the book Where the Wild Things Are, filled with scary monsters and make-believe. It is based on a child's imaginings after being sent to his room. At the time the book was first publishing, it was thought to be too scary for children. Sendak himself said that he simply drew it, and people decided it was supposed to be for children.

LittleMonsters

Mercer Mayer is known for his Little Critter and Little Monster books that teach children different life lessons. His illustration style is decidedly less dark than Sendak's. The adorable creatures Mayer creates are around the same age as the children who enjoy his books. Mayer’s monsters go through some of the same difficult life issues that children deal with, such as going to the dentist, having to clean a messy room, or making friends.

Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are grew from his experiences as an unhappy and lonely child. His book accurately depicts childhood fears and anxieties and does not sugarcoat them for children. Many children (and their parents) can relate to the book’s storyline and illustrations.

wild-things-are

Mercer Mayer is best known for his book There’s a Nightmare in My Closet and the Little Critter and Little Monster series. There’s a Nightmare in My Closet has been compared to Sendak’s work, but Mayer’s illustrations are a little less dark and scary. These monsters aren’t really scary at all, nor are they ferocious, like in Sendak’s book. They are goofy, sweet, and friendly and are simply looking for a new friend or a place to sleep. Click on each image to enlarge it and learn more about Mayer’s characters.

Justforyoucritter
Justforyoucritter

Mayer’s Little Critter books center around an animal-like creature that is approximately the same age as his target audience, 3-6 year old children. The little critter goes through some of the same life events and struggles that most children go through, such as going to the doctor or making a hand-made gift. The critter is an imaginative combination of rodent-type animals such as a hedgehog, guinea pig, and hamster.

Littlemonsterbedtimebook
Littlemonsterbedtimebook

The Little Monster books feature a similar writing and illustration style as the Little Critter books. The little monster is a dragon-type creature with big ears, wings, and a tail. This series was not as extensive or as well-known as Mercer’s Little Critter books, but it was used to help children learn about their community and practice basic school skills, such as the alphabet and counting.

Both Sendak and Mayer used people and things from their lives as inspiration for their characters. It is said that Sendak’s inspiration for his beasts were annoying relatives who often visited his family. Mayer’s books are all based on his experiences as a child. What inspiration can you draw from your life to use in your illustrations? Write down some ideas in your sketchbook and keep them handy for your project.