Two beloved children's authors, Maurice Sendak ("Where the Wild Things Are") and Shel Silverstein ("The Giving Tree") have new books out. Silverstein's "Every Thing on It" was published posthumously, while Sendak's "Bumble-Ardy" is raising hair and hackles.
Silverstein died in 1999. He had a colorful history and raised a few eyebrows. He is as well-known for his drawings as he is for poetry. After joining the armed services and serving in the Korean War, Silverstein became a cartoon illustrator for "Playboy" magazine. Silverstein was a folk singer and guitarist. He wrote what would become Johnny Cash's only silly song: "A Boy Named Sue."
On the advice of Tomi Ungerer (one of my favorite children's authors and creator of "Crictor" the boa constrictor), Silverstein took to children's books. He became Uncle Shelby with "Where the Sidewalk Ends," "A Light in the Attic," "Uncle Shelby's ABZ" and other volumes. His poetry and music wasn't all whimsical and child-like. "The Perfect High" and "I Was High and I Missed It" are caustic, crass and adult commentaries, written in Shel-like verse.
Silverstein draws and writes from his wacky soul but also from deep grief. His first wife and daughter died very young. Silverstein was said to be a ladies' man and a bit of a rogue. One of his biggest regrets was he never was a better father to his children. Perhaps every father feels that way. One thing is certain: Shel wrote and illustrated many books that make children and adults happy. Another posthumous book, "Runny Babbit" came out in 2005. "Every Thing on It" is a collection of poems.
Sendak's newest book, "Bumble-Ardy," is yet another provocative tale from the creator of "Mommy?" and "In the Night Kitchen." "Bumble-Ardy" demonstrates what happens when an uncelebrated pig decides to party. As with so many parties, it gets out of hand. Sendak changed wine to brine when critics deemed drunken animal revelers inappropriate for children. I think it's even more astute and funny with pigs tippling whiskey-colored brine.
I suspect what bothers people are Sendak's uncanny illustrations and refusal to sugarcoat childhood. Sendak draws and describes people as he sees them, not as they wish to be seen. His children sometimes appear cruel and cunning. Children can be both of those things. Sendak also draws their tender, lovable natures. Children aren't two-dimensional. Their thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behaviors are complicated.
Parents and child advocate experts are questioning "Bumble-Ardy," saying it's too scary for children. Sendak says it accesses darker issues in child development and that parents who are afraid. He says we sanitize and euthanize children's feelings when we should accept and explore them.
I suspect like with other Sendak and Silverstein books that children will gobble up "Every Thing On It" and "Bumble-Ardy" and beg for more.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 23 years parenting four children, 25 years teaching K-8 and special needs and an obsession with children's literature.
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