An Animated Sendak Classic

That mischievous king of all wild things, Max, is headed for the silver screen. Actor Tom Hanks will likely lend his voice to the cartoon adaptation of Maurice Sendak's Caldecott–winning book, Where the Wild Things Are (HarperCollins), in a film version scheduled for release in Thanksgiving 2004 or summer 2005. Eric Goldberg, co-director of Disney's movie Pocahontas, will direct. Sendak has even more to celebrate. Fifty years ago, he made his publishing debut with Harper & Brothers, creating illustrations for The Wonderful Farm by Marcel Aymé. To mark the occasion, HarperCollins will reissue hardcover editions of 22 out-of-print Sendak works. Just released are the first four titles, which include Higglety Pigglety Pop! or There Must Be More to Life, first published in 1967. Sendak is closely involved with the reissue program, helping choose which books to bring back and supervising production. With new color separations made from the original art and enhanced printing technology, these books will look better than ever, says Harper Production Director John Vitale.