Dig in to this exhibition all about food, eating, and being eaten in the illustrations of Maurice Sendak.  Too Many Thoughts to Chew: A Sendak Stew presents original artwork from 20 Sendak books that show how food brings families together, helps kids forge new friendships, and nourishes us emotionally and intellectually.  Food not only satisfies the appetites of characters like Max from Where the Wild Things Are but also satisfies their deeper emotional needs, for food ultimately symbolizes belonging in Sendak’s picture books.

Visitors will follow the theme of belonging as they explore the impact that hunger plays on the poor children of The House of 60 Fathers and Brundibar; they will ponder the threat of being eaten that runs through children’s literature from the Brothers Grimm to Sendak’s We Are All in the Dumps with Jack & Guy; and they can delight in the humor of ravenous characters from Higglety, Pigglety, Pop! and Swine Lake.  This four course exhibition not only serves up a variety of foods in Sendak’s illustrations (including soup, eggs, milk, bread, cake, and the odd boat, book, or naughty child), but also provides an opportunity for visitors to glimpse rare drawings, manuscripts for Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen, and original watercolors.  Families and visitors of all ages will enjoy this substantial yet easily digestible Sendakian feast.