"Really Rosie" History Lesson: The musical "Really Rosie" is based on Maurice Sendak's The Nutshell Library (1962), and The Sign on Rosie's Door (1960). Words and lyrics by Sendak, music by Carole King. A half-hour animated television special aired in February 1975. It was directed by Maurice Sendak, with Carole King voicing the title character. Added fun fact: the background vocals are Louise Goffin and Sherry Goffin Kondor, Carole's daughters, who were young girls at the time... | Carole King