American illustrator and writer Maurice Sendak is most well-known for writing which children's book?

The story behind the answer

Maurice Sendak is best known for his 1963 picture book Where the Wild Things Are, which he both wrote and illustrated. The story follows Max, a mischievous boy in a wolf suit, who sails to an island of “Wild Things.” Its bold exploration of childhood emotions and its minimal text paired with expressive drawings earned Sendak the 1964 Caldecott Medal.

To remember it, think “Sendak’s wild imagination”—Wild Things is his signature work. The other options belong to different authors: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Roald Dahl), The Cat in the Hat (Dr. Seuss), and The Neverending Story (Michael Ende). The book’s famous line, “Let the wild rumpus start!,” marks its lasting cultural impact.