I seem to recall reading somewhere that there was additional concern because of the supposed symbolism of beating the dough, Mickey's "rising" to the milk bottle (and the milk itself) -- something about masturbation, etc. I can't remember the full nonsense, but to me that seems to stem more from a homophobic response to Sendak himself rather than the content of the actual book, which is definitely weird and not for everyone, but also strangely delightful. (I've always loved the rhythm of it, the pleasure of reading it aloud.)
Thank you, of course, for the shoutout. (It's like being in the NY Times -- MENTIONED ON TIME TRAVEL KITCHEN! 😉)
For both of our sakes I wish it was like The NY Times, Sarah! 😂 I read some stuff about the milk bottle, etc., but the quotes I kept finding were about the nudity, maybe I need to do a part 2! On second thought, nah…😂 hope you’re doing well! :)
Wait, What??!!! I have so many questions! Sendak as teacher, how amazing, Vicki! Is it ok if I mention this in my next post as a follow-up, and linked to your newsletter?
I do have to wonder whether these hyper-sensitive librarians (and all the other folks who support book bans) dress and undress every day inside their closets. Shucks. We’ve all “got ‘em.” Why such terror of nudity?
This unlocked a core memory for me!! I had a VHS version of “In The Night Kitchen” that I watched when I was little. And come to think of it, I never thought the nudity was weird was a kid. There were other parts that creeped me out about it, but I liked the story. It wasn’t until I was older that I started to think “ew, what the heck??!”
And thank you for highlighting Jose Andres’ wonderful work. He’s a legend in DC, where I Iived for years. It seems that whenever something goes wrong in the world, he shows up to make sure people are, at the very least, fed.
I lol’d at “ew”, Sam! 😂 it’s such a great point you made that as a kid you were like “eh”. José Andrés just continues to inspire and amaze, that organization is on the ground the minute there is a crisis. DC was his original restaurant, right? Hope you’re well!
When I taught theater to kids in an after school program in Sheepshead Bay, we did Where the Wild Things Are as a play with the 2nd graders. I'd put on music when it was time for the wild rumpus to begin!
This book is *literally* sitting in my living room right now, as I’m unpacking a box of old children’s books. It was one of our family’s favorites when my brother and I were kids!
I adore that you’ve paired this reading with such a mouthwatering-looking cake...aaand now I’m hungry. 🤤🍰 Off to reread this + and enjoy a snack alongside it!
Oh my gosh, Maddie, how great to have your childhood books and how amazing that this one is among them! Hope you had a delicious snack (*wants to know what you paired with the re-read 😂:)
All I had lying around was a store-bought macaroon...so, a bit lame 😂 But in addition to the cake you wrote about here, I've been meaning to make one of Yossy Arefi's "snacking cakes" again...and the NYT plum torte. One of those is next in the queue!
I loved this book as a kid, but when I was pregnant with my son, my “day job” was as a pastry chef and this book was one of my baby shower gifts from my boss. 💗
Another really fine and relevant post, Jolene! I always loved reading In the Night Kitchen to my son when he was small (as well as Where the Wild Things Are). Sendak was so funny and scary and captured the quintessential fears of childhood--and adulthood--so well. It’s almost a hoot (if it weren’t so sinister) to think of banning a book over a baby’s bare bottom when the world is awash in people hunting others for simply being born a particular religion, race or nationality.
Ruth, you just summed up the state of things brilliantly. It’s maddening. Thank you, my friend, hope you and Jeff are doing well. I thought of you both when I passed the start of the Route 66 sign near the Berghoff. Did I already tell you this? 😂
Thanks, Jolene! It’s maddening. Escaping into children’s books (and brilliant columns about them!) is the only answer! Route 66 sign near the Berghoff? Signpost to our future!😅
Such strange times and hard to understand that some librarians, whose role I thought was to open minds, are so intent on closing them. And I've never made milk cake before, so I'm going to give it a go.
I seem to recall reading somewhere that there was additional concern because of the supposed symbolism of beating the dough, Mickey's "rising" to the milk bottle (and the milk itself) -- something about masturbation, etc. I can't remember the full nonsense, but to me that seems to stem more from a homophobic response to Sendak himself rather than the content of the actual book, which is definitely weird and not for everyone, but also strangely delightful. (I've always loved the rhythm of it, the pleasure of reading it aloud.)
Thank you, of course, for the shoutout. (It's like being in the NY Times -- MENTIONED ON TIME TRAVEL KITCHEN! 😉)
For both of our sakes I wish it was like The NY Times, Sarah! 😂 I read some stuff about the milk bottle, etc., but the quotes I kept finding were about the nudity, maybe I need to do a part 2! On second thought, nah…😂 hope you’re doing well! :)
Imagination will take people to all sorts of places! 😂
Crazy times we live in! I had Sendak for a children's book illustration class at Parsons. He always complained about librarians.
Wait, What??!!! I have so many questions! Sendak as teacher, how amazing, Vicki! Is it ok if I mention this in my next post as a follow-up, and linked to your newsletter?
Of course! I'd be honored.
Excellent!
Woah!
I know!! I need to know more!!!
How amazing! Can’t imagine what it’d be like to be taught by him!
Right?! WowWowWow!
Great piece, Jolene!
I do have to wonder whether these hyper-sensitive librarians (and all the other folks who support book bans) dress and undress every day inside their closets. Shucks. We’ve all “got ‘em.” Why such terror of nudity?
Thank you so much, Radaghast! Yeah, I don’t get it either!
This unlocked a core memory for me!! I had a VHS version of “In The Night Kitchen” that I watched when I was little. And come to think of it, I never thought the nudity was weird was a kid. There were other parts that creeped me out about it, but I liked the story. It wasn’t until I was older that I started to think “ew, what the heck??!”
And thank you for highlighting Jose Andres’ wonderful work. He’s a legend in DC, where I Iived for years. It seems that whenever something goes wrong in the world, he shows up to make sure people are, at the very least, fed.
I lol’d at “ew”, Sam! 😂 it’s such a great point you made that as a kid you were like “eh”. José Andrés just continues to inspire and amaze, that organization is on the ground the minute there is a crisis. DC was his original restaurant, right? Hope you’re well!
LOVE everything about this!
Aww, thank you, Alison! :)
When I taught theater to kids in an after school program in Sheepshead Bay, we did Where the Wild Things Are as a play with the 2nd graders. I'd put on music when it was time for the wild rumpus to begin!
Love this image of you, Leigh! :)
This book is *literally* sitting in my living room right now, as I’m unpacking a box of old children’s books. It was one of our family’s favorites when my brother and I were kids!
I adore that you’ve paired this reading with such a mouthwatering-looking cake...aaand now I’m hungry. 🤤🍰 Off to reread this + and enjoy a snack alongside it!
Oh my gosh, Maddie, how great to have your childhood books and how amazing that this one is among them! Hope you had a delicious snack (*wants to know what you paired with the re-read 😂:)
All I had lying around was a store-bought macaroon...so, a bit lame 😂 But in addition to the cake you wrote about here, I've been meaning to make one of Yossy Arefi's "snacking cakes" again...and the NYT plum torte. One of those is next in the queue!
Love macaroons, store bought is fine (as Ina would say) The thought of “snacking cakes” immediately puts me in a good mood. I need to get the book :)
Ina’s catchphrases are the best. 🥰 Ooh yes, you must! It’s one of my most-used cookbooks.
I so love this book (obviously, lol). This is wonderful, Jolene!
Aww, thank you, Andrew, hope you’re doing well! Can’t wait for your book!
Same to you, Jolene! (And nor can I lol. I am deep in it now, and the end is a long ways off, just gotta remember to breathe.)
Yes! Every day closer to the finish line, Andrew!
I loved this book as a kid, but when I was pregnant with my son, my “day job” was as a pastry chef and this book was one of my baby shower gifts from my boss. 💗
Wow, do you still bake, Megan?
Not professionally. I switched full time to photography about 5 years ago. People I know still expect me to make treats for holidays, though. 😂
Of course! 😂
Another really fine and relevant post, Jolene! I always loved reading In the Night Kitchen to my son when he was small (as well as Where the Wild Things Are). Sendak was so funny and scary and captured the quintessential fears of childhood--and adulthood--so well. It’s almost a hoot (if it weren’t so sinister) to think of banning a book over a baby’s bare bottom when the world is awash in people hunting others for simply being born a particular religion, race or nationality.
Ruth, you just summed up the state of things brilliantly. It’s maddening. Thank you, my friend, hope you and Jeff are doing well. I thought of you both when I passed the start of the Route 66 sign near the Berghoff. Did I already tell you this? 😂
Thanks, Jolene! It’s maddening. Escaping into children’s books (and brilliant columns about them!) is the only answer! Route 66 sign near the Berghoff? Signpost to our future!😅
Yes!
This brings back memories! One of my favourite books as a child.
I’m so glad, Simon! The books that were special to us as children really stay with us. Thanks for commenting.
A joy in dark times. Thank you, Jolene
Aww, thanks so much ❤️
Such strange times and hard to understand that some librarians, whose role I thought was to open minds, are so intent on closing them. And I've never made milk cake before, so I'm going to give it a go.
I’m replying after we talked about the cake on Notes, Julia! So glad you liked it!
Thanks for the shout out!
Of course, friend!
Thanks for this bit of sweetness, Jolene❤️
Aww, thanks, Jillian. Hope you’re doing well. ❤️
Thanks Jojo… Loved this one.
Love you 😘
Hi, Cath! Love ya right back! 🤗