Sendak Exhibit Now Open at the Milwaukee Public Library.

Today is the first day of the new exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Library, Maurice Sendak: 50 Years, Works, Reasons. It's a fine exhibition of Sendak's drawings, with both finished work and works in progress represented. About a year ago, the library asked Boswell if we could sell some books and assorted gift ideas. We said the yes and The Rumpus Room retail counter was born.

We've got all the favorites, including Where the Wild Things Are (in English and Spanish), In the Night Kitchen, and The Nutshell Library. There are books that Sendak illustrated, like Little Bear (Else Holmelund Minarik) and more obscure titles like Open House for Butterflies (Ruth Krauss). And then we also have tee shirts, onesies, tote bags, and pouches (like a large coin purse or pencil case).

Today I'm working with Jannis. She has a few favorites at the exhibit, including the F.A.O Schwartz catalog with a Wild Thing on the cover, and the Really Rosie cutout. We had a great time reminiscing about the cartoon, which is sadly unavailable. That said, you can still get the soundtrack from Carole King. But her favorite might be Little Bear with an owl.

Tomorrow is the big day. From 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, July 11, there will be lots of activities at the library. Then at night there's the Read a Book Ball, where you stay home and read, and donate the money you'd normally spend on an evening out to the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation. What could be a better evening?

Here are list of the books that are available:
Alligators All Around
Chicken Soup with Rice
Donde Vivien Los Monstros
Father Bear Comes Home
Higglety Pigglety Pop
I'll Be You and You Be Me
In the Night Kitchen (cloth and paper)
Kiss for Little Bear
Light Princess
Little Bear
Little Bear's Friend
Little Bear's Visit
Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present
My Brother's Book
Nutshell Library
Open House for Bugtterflies
Outside Over There
Pierre
Sign on Rosie's Door
What do You Say Dear?
Where the Wild Things Are (cloth and paper)
Who Was Maurice Sendak
Zlateh the Goat

Come by and visit! The Rumpus Room retail store is open 12 Noon to 5 pm Monday, 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Friday, and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday. More info about the exhibit on the MPL website.