As we've spoken about before, sometimes context can alter the way you think of a piece of art, whether it be the context in which you are exposed to the art or knowing the context in which the art was created. This has recently been our experience with the brand new picture book, "Bumble-Ardy" (Harper Collins 2011), by Maurice "Where the Wild Things Are" Sendak.
This new release was heavily anticipated as it's the first picture book Sendak both wrote and illustrated in a few decades. It chronicles the story of a little orphaned pig who has never had a birthday party. When he is about to turn nine years old, his Aunt finally allows him to have one. While his Aunt is at work, he invites all his friends over for a costume party which quickly turns chaotic.
To be honest, when we first read this when it came into our store, we weren't sure what to make of it. The text, while unconventional, is certainly fun and entertaining. The illustrations however are, well, a bit odd. While they are done in a cartoon-y style, something is disconcerting about them. The illustrations are at times frantic and are more grotesque than they are funny.
Shortly after the book was released, NPR's Terry Gross interviewed Maurice Sendak (you can listen to it on the NPR website). It is a raw, sad, honest dialogue with someone who is nearing the end of his life and is surrounded by death. He has lost his long-time partner a couple of years ago and has just recently lost some close friends. He gives some context in terms of what he was personally experiencing while working on "Bumble-Ardy":
"When I did Bumble-Ardy I was so intensely aware of death. You see, my friend, my partner was dying here in the house while I did Bumble-Ardy. And I did Bumble-Ardy to save myself. I did not want to die with him, I wanted to live as any human being does. But there is no question that the book was affected by what was going on here in the house."
After hearing this interview and gaining an understanding of where his art was coming from, the book makes so much more sense. On one hand it is lively, childish, and playful - full of life. On the other hand, it is chaotic, bizarre, and out of control. Will it take its place as a classic picture book? We think so. But not because of what it is, but more for what it stands for. It is one of the last statements by a legend in the world of children's literature and a time-capsule for what his life was at the moment.
His final statement at the end of the NPR interview serves not only as a possible summary of the theme of "Bumble-Ardy", but also wise words that we should all remember: "Live your life, live your life, live your life."
Now go read a book with your kids...
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