Maurice Sendak’s Legacy Lives On with Upcoming Picture Book Collaboration with Stephen King
Hansel and Gretel is a must-have reimagining of the Brothers Grimm fairytale, retold by worldwide bestselling author Stephen King, with artwork by Caldecott Medal–winning creator of Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak.
The Maurice Sendak Foundation, located in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where the legendary author and illustrator lived and worked from 1972 until his passing in 2012, continues to be a source of creative inspiration. Now, a remarkable new project is bringing Sendak’s visionary artistry back into the spotlight.
According to a press release from HarperCollins Publishers, a never-before-seen picture book collaboration between Stephen King and Maurice Sendak will be released in September 2025. Hansel and Gretel is a reimagining of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale, featuring King’s storytelling and Sendak’s hauntingly beautiful illustrations.
Sendak’s artwork for this book was originally created as set and costume designs for the 1997 Humperdinck opera Hansel and Gretel. His evocative illustrations—now paired with King’s signature narrative style—will immerse readers in a version of the tale that is as eerie as it is unforgettable.
Lynn Caponera, executive director of The Maurice Sendak Foundation, noted, “We can’t think of a more wonderful, appropriate collaboration than King and Sendak. Both are virtuosos of their crafts.”
The Maurice Sendak Foundation preserves the legacy of one of the most influential illustrators of the 20th century, housing a vast collection of his original drawings, paintings, and artistic inspirations. With this forthcoming book, Sendak’s work continues to captivate audiences, proving that his impact on storytelling endures.
Hansel and Gretel will be published in the U.S. by HarperCollins Children’s Books and in the U.K. by Hodder Children’s Books, a division of Hachette Children’s Group, on September 2, 2025.
Image courtesy https://stephenking.com/