Maurice Sendak Death: Writers, Fans React On Twitter To Passing Of ?Where The Wild Things Are? Author

Maurice Sendak, the author and illustrator best known for his 1963 book Where the Wild Things Are, has died at age 83. His fans and fellow writers have taken to Twitter to pour out their hearts -- and gratitude -- for the outspoken author.

As several fans incorporated Sendak's own words into their microblog tributes, there has been many a reference to the wild rumpus.

Actress Kristin Fairlie, who did voice work for the animated film The Little Bear Movie, which was based on a book series illustrated by Sendak, honored the late author in a tweet: So honored to have worked with the brilliant #MauriceSendak, one of the worlds greatest authors and the illustrator of #LittleBear.

Several people credited Sendak with understanding children.

Maurice Sendak taught me and millions of others that it was no sin to be a child, author John Green tweeted.

Teen author Carolyn Mackler tweeted her thanks: Thank you to Maurice Sendak for sharing your genius with us. The children's book world will miss you.

A literary Twitter account with the handle @4everYA -- YA standing for Young Adult -- recognized Sendak's significance in the world of children's books: Here's to Maurice Sendak, a man who understood that respecting children is the first step towards reaching them.