Martze – Jack Sendak 1968 | 1st Edition

Martze (1968) by Jack Sendak is a whimsical yet poignant children’s book that blends playful storytelling with the author’s signature wit and emotional depth. Younger brother of the famed Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are), Jack crafts a tale centered on Martze, a spirited and imaginative character whose adventures unfold with a mix of humor and subtle melancholy. The story’s rhythmic, almost musical prose (the name “Martze” echoes the Yiddish word for “March”) carries readers through a series of misadventures and reflections, underscored by Sendak’s own charming illustrations.

Though lesser-known than Maurice’s works, Martze showcases Jack’s talent for capturing childhood’s bittersweet contradictions—its boundless creativity and quiet loneliness. A delightful oddity in mid-century children’s literature, the book appeals to both young readers and adults nostalgic for its offbeat charm.