Maurice Sendak, beloved author of the 1963 children’s picture book Where the Wild Things Are, which was adapted for the big screen in 2009 by director Spike Jonze and writer Dave Eggers, has reportedly passed away at the age of 83 due to complications from a recent stroke.

Where the Wild Things Are was one of the earliest children’s books to feature a rebellious, sometimes spiteful protagonist that made parents nervous, but nonetheless influenced several generations of readers including yours truly. You will be truly missed, Mr. Sendak. Thanks for speaking to me through your books like I was an adult, instead of condescending to me like the rest of society.

[Source] Shelf Life