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In the Night Kitchen

Maurice SendakPublished by Harper & Row, 1970.

In the Night Kitchen is a whimsical and surreal children’s book that follows a young boy named Mickey as he dreams his way into a magical kitchen. There, he helps three bakers prepare the morning’s cake by diving into a giant bowl of batter. The story is filled with imaginative illustrations and playful text, celebrating the wonder of dreams and the limitless possibilities of a child’s imagination.

In the Night Kitchen has faced bans and challenges primarily due to its illustrations, which depict the protagonist, Mickey, naked throughout the story. The portrayal of nudity in a children’s book sparked controversy, with some parents and educators deeming the images inappropriate for young readers. Additionally, the surreal and somewhat unsettling nature of the story led to concerns about its suitability for children. As a result, the book has been removed from some libraries and schools, though it is also celebrated for its creativity and its place in the canon of children’s literature.

-Inscribed by Sendak with an original drawing of Mickey dated 1992. Includes a rare original Maurice Sendak watercolor costume design for Arthur Yorinks' 1993 play "So Sue Me". One page, watercolor and ink on cardstock, Sendak has signed and annotated the design, "So, Sue me. Costume design M. Sendak Feb. 93." In fine condition. The piece measures 6 inches by 4.75 inches.

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