Maurice Sendak Books & Illustrations: Realized Prices & How to Sell

To auction, sell or consign your Maurice Sendak artwork and books, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).

Maurice Sendak’s Career

Maurice Sendak was a children’s book illustrator and author who is perhaps best-remembered for his 1963 Caldecott Medal winning book Where the Wild Things Are. He also illustrated the Little Bear book series, authored by Else Holmelund Minarik, which was later adapted as a television show and movie. Sendak has received many awards and honors including seven Caldecott Honors, the Hans Christian Andersen Award and was inducted into the New York Writers Hall of Fame in 2013.

Here Are Some Maurice Sendak Items We’ve Sold:

“Where the Wild Things Are” First Edition — Sold for $3,300

First edition, first printing of “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, complete with the uncommon first printing dust jacket. New York: Harper & Row, 1963. With all first printing points, including the lack of the Caldecott award sticker on the front of the dust jacket, which was added by Harper & Row after recalling the edition to reflect the achievement shortly after publication. Other first printing points include the $3.50 price on the front flap of the jacket, along with the code “40-80” and “1163” indicating the publishing date of November 1963, and the correct three paragraph blurb. The jacket’s back flap also has the correct three paragraph blurb. The book itself shows the Library of Congress number “63-21253” on the title page and has no ISBN number on the rear board. A very good copy, with colorful pictorial endpapers and illustrations throughout. A “Books Are Fun” sticker appears on front pastedown, and a child’s signature appears on half-title page. Small tear at bottom of front free endpaper, a few spots on rear endpapers, and light shelf wear. The front flap is clipped at the lower corner, typical of all copies, and light chipping to jacket, with a discreet closed tear at top center. Overall in very good condition. Sold for $3,300.

Original ”Wild Things” Signed Sketch — Sold for $3,125

Maurice Sendak original pencil sketch of his ”Wild Things” creations. The author of the 1963 children’s book ”Where the Wild Things Are” draws a captivating scene involving a dinosaur fossil and some Wild Things. He signs the lower right ”Maurice Sendak”. The story of a little boy’s foray into an imaginary world of endearingly sensitive oversized creatures is one of the most popular children’s stories of all time. Matted to an overall size of 17.5” x 20”, visible area of drawing measures 12.25” x 14.5”. Small .5” tear to top edge at center, light smudging, and a smudge to mat bottom edge, else near fine. Sold for $3,125.

Original Signed Sketches of 12 Characters — Sold for $3,120

Maurice Sendak original signed ink sketches. The ”Where The Wild Things Are” author draws 12 different characters on a single sheet, including a few ”Wild Thing” monsters. He signs the lower right: ”Maurice Sendak”. Measures 12.5” x 5.5”. Near fine condition. Sold for $3,120.

Signed Original Sketch — Sold for $2,813

Original Maurice Sendak signed sketch of Max, the main character from his classic book ”Where the Wild Things Are”. ”Wild Things” has sold over 19 million copies worldwide, making it one of the highest selling children’s books of all time. Charcoal drawing on white sketch paper measures approximately 6.25” x 9”, with irregular left edge measuring 5.75” at its most narrow and 6.75” at its widest. Sendak signs his name to lower right, ”Maurice Sendak”. Near fine. Sold for $2,813.

Signed Sketch From 1988 — Sold for $2,756

Maurice Sendak signed original sketch. An exceptional and rare piece from the author and illustrator of classic children’s books, including “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Into The Night Kitchen.” Superb original pencil drawing executed on a sheet of tracing paper measuring 15″ x 19″. The drawing shows one of Sendak’s iconic “Wild Things” wearing a ribboned wide-brimmed hat and devilishly peering over a book. Boldly signed beneath, “Maurice Sendak.” This drawing was created for an American Express advertising campaign in 1988. According to the volume “Illustrated Shopping Bags Created by Maurice Sendak” published by Left Bank Books, drawings such as this one were printed on shopping bags with the tagline: “Purchase Protection. When monstrous accidents happen, the American Express Card has you covered.” Not surprisingly, extant original bags are quite scarce. Fine condition. Sold for $2,756.

Signed Copy of “Where the Wild Things” With Sketch — Sold for $2,700

Exquisite copy of “Where the Wild Things Are”, complete with the hand-drawn sketch of one of the “Wild Things” by Maurice Sendak, signed and dated October 1988. This 25th anniversary edition is number 70 of a limited edition of 220 copies, bound in publisher’s blue leather with illustrated endpapers, and housed in a custom suede-lined clamshell case, also with illustrated cover. New York: Harper and Row, 1988. Book is additionally signed by Sendak on half-title page. All edges gilt and with gilt illustration to front of blue leather cover. Book measures 10.25″ x 9.375″; clamshell case measures 11″ x 10.5″; drawing measures 5″ x 6″. Extremely rare keepsake of the beloved children’s classic, even more so in such near fine condition, with significant flaws to note. Complete in original mailing box. Sold for $2,700.

To auction, sell or consign your Maurice Sendak artwork and books, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).

FAQs

How do I consign or sell my Maurice Sendak artwork?
It’s never been easier to sell your Maurice Sendak artwork at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and photos of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with a free appraisal.

This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement for your review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.

What factors determine the value of Maurice Sendak artwork?
The value of your items can vary based on condition and subject matter.