Director Spike Jonze and actress Catherine Keener at the intersection of Greenwich Avenue and Christopher Street temporarily renamed “Maurice Sendak Way” and “Wild Things Way.” (photo by Julienne Schaer / Courtesty of NYC & Company)

In honor of the writer Maurice Sendak, 81, who wrote 'Where the Wild Things Are,' the city has renamed the intersection of Greenwich Avenue and Christopher Street - where Sendak wrote the children's classic - for the author. For the rest of the day the streets will be known as 'Maurice Sendak Way' and 'Wild Things Way'.

The director of the film adaptation, Spike Jonze, was in Greenwich Village today, along with 3rd graders from PS 31 to inaugurate the signs. He reminded them and other Wild fans:

'It's only here for a day, so you have until the end of the day to steal it, OK you guys?'

The city has dozens of events for children and adults planned for what they call 'Wild Things Week in NYC.' Click here for more details.

Let the wild rumpus start!