LaFleur translates Sendak's classic

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE now enjoys a new adventure in classical Latin, courtesy of Franklin Professor of Classics Emeritus, Rick LaFleur.

The new first-ever translation into Latin of the beloved book by LaFleur, UBI FERA SUNT was published by Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, Inc. in December 2015. LaFleur will hold a book signing on Wednesday Dec. 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Avid Bookshop in Athens.

The lively translation faithfully recasts Sendak’s writing into classical Latin. It includes the beautifully re-mastered images employed in the fiftieth anniversary edition.

First published in 1963, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE has sold more than 20 million copies to date and inspired the creation of a host of offspring, including children's toys, dolls, and puppets, board and video games, a 1980s children's opera, co-scripted by Sendak, as well as other musical compositions, and the much praised 2009 feature film adaptation, directed by Spike Jonze. The book has earned countless recognitions, including the 1964 Randolph Caldecott Medal for "the most distinguished American picture book for children."

It has been translated into numerous other languages, including French, German, Spanish, Hebrew, and even Finnish, but never until now into classical Latin.

“I hope that Mr. Sendak would have considered this modest Latin rendering of his perpetually charming classic to be a compliment, as it is most certainly intended, and also that lovers of what I affectionately dub "The Mother Tongue" will cherish this volume just as so many readers have enjoyed the Latin versions of such other children’s classics as Winnie Ille Pu (Winnie the Pooh), Cattus Petasatus (The Cat in the Hat), and Alicia in Terra Mirabili (Alice in Wonderland),” LaFleur said.