Book Description

Wanda G‡g's enchanting tale of the very old man who went off in search of the prettiest cat in the world for his wife and returned instead with millions to choose from has become an American classic, widely recognized as the first modern picture book. First published in 1928, it was a recipient of the 1929 Newbery Honor Book Award and has gone on to sell over a million copies. With its charming illustrations and rhythmic, sing-song refrain, Millions of Cats remains as beloved today as it was when it first appeared three-quarters of a century ago. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Reading Rainbow Classic!
I first saw this book on PBS's Reading Rainbow. I purchased it immediately and have been delighted ever since. The detailed illustrations are absolutely terrific and on some pages you could actually spend hours counting the millions of cats. This book is a true classic as it has been around for generations. An old man sets out to bring back a cat for himself and his wife. Instead, millions and millions of cats return home with him. Their home is soon overrun with felines and some drastic action has to be taken. All of the cats leave except one small kitten. And they lived happily ever after. The Reading Rainbow books are wonderful. After reading this book, I hope you agree. Highly recommended.

Millions of cats
Millions of Cats Book Review

I think you should read this book by Wanda Ga'g because it is a very good book. It tells that some ugly things can be cute. This story is about cats. A man has a hard time deciding which one he wants. They are all cute. After they drank the water, they left. Then he saw one left behind a plant and it was the cutest of them all. So he took it .
He and his wife gave it love and took care of it...

A TERRIFIC BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!
"MILLIONS OF CATS" TELLS THE STORY OF AN OLD WAOMAN AND AN OLD MAN THAT ARE VERY LONELY. THE OLD WOMAN TELLS HER HUSBAND TO GO AND FIND A NICE CAT FOR THEM. SO THEM MAN SETS OFF. BEFORE LONG, HE FINDS A WHOLE HILL COVERED IN WONDERFUL CATS. HE CAN'T DECIDE WHICH IS THE BEST, SO HE TAKES ALL OF THEM HOME TO HIS WIFE. WHEN HE GETS HOME HIS WIFE AND HIM ARE FORCED TO DECIDE WHICH IS THE BEST. SO, TO DO SO, THEY ASK WHICH IS THE BEST AND RUN INSIDE AWAY FROM THE CAT FIGHT. WILL THE CATS DESTROY THEMSELVES?
THIS IS A TERRIFIC BOOK WITH LOVELY ILLUSTRAIONS. IT TEACHESA LESSON: nOT ALWAYS THE TALLEST, SMARTEST, OR PRETTIEST IS THE BEST. NO WONDER IT WAS A 1929 NEWBERY HONOR BOOK!! FOR AGES
3-12.

Beautiful illustrations -- odd story
The illustrations more than the text make this story. If you stop to think about what happens to all the cats it's a bit disturbing. A similar and more delightful book is Cats for Kansas.

Millions, billions, and trillions but not gazillions?
I'm ashamed to say that prior to a children's literature course I took, I was completely ignorant of the works of Wanda Gag and her elegant, "Millions of Cats" until the ripe old age of 25. As it stands, the book is amazingly timeless, accompanied by beautiful pen and ink drawings illustrating each and every scene. There are plenty of details per page for kids to point out on their own and the words will not tax the average child. The daughter of a Bohemian painter, Gag was a superb artist in her own right. Nowhere else will you find this as evident as in "Millions of Cats". It remains one of the best American classic picture books of all time. ... Read more

Book Description

Gone Is Gone addresses an age-old question between couples-who works harder? This long-out-of-print children's book is based on a charming Bohemian tale recited to Wanda Gág when she was a child, and is now once again available to enchant audiences of all ages. The tale's sly peasant humor and conversational style combined with Gág's expressive black-and-white illustrations made the book an instant classic.

In this delightful story we meet Fritzl, who lives on a farm with his wife Liesi and their baby. Fritzl works hard in the fields every day. Liesi works hard all day, too, but Fritzl somehow feels that he works harder. When he complains about how hard he works and how easy Liesi has it, doing nothing but "putter and potter about the house a bit," Liesi calls his bluff and suggests they trade places.

The hilarious outcomes of Fritzl's calamitous day at home are portrayed in Gág's singular illustrations. In the end Fritzl admits that Liesi's work is "none too easy" and begs to return to his fields and not do housework another day. "Well then," says Liesi, "if that's how it is, we surely can live in peace and happiness for ever and ever."

Best known for her Newbery Honor winner Millions of Cats, Wanda Gág (1893-1946) was a pioneer in children's book writing and illustration. Her groundbreaking technique of integrating illustrations with the text is evident in all of her classic books. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, she rose to international acclaim as a children's book author, artist, and illustrator. In recognition of her artistry, she was posthumously awarded the 1958 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for Millions of Cats and the 1977 Kerlan Award for her body of work. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Gender Scripting Made Simple
Gone Is Gone is one of the great children's books, not only because of its prose style and the beautiful illustrations, along with the wonderful humor, but because it sends a message that reverberates in this day of women's lib and gender-neutral family roles. It SHOULD BE REISSUED in an affordable edition!

Timeless
This is a timeless story of the question that has plagued every couple...who works the hardest? It is such a great story for little girls (and boys) and my daughter loved it! Now every time we get to the part where the husband asks to take over the wife's tasks for a day and says "how hard could it be?", my daughter rolls her eyes and says "Oh sure"... ... Read more

Book Description

The Funny Thing is Gág's follow-up to her well-loved first book, Millions of Cats. It tells the story of a curious dragon-like "aminal" that eats children's dolls. A kindly old man named Bobo cannot stand by and allow the Funny Thing to steal dolls from children. He entices it to eat "jum-jills," a concoction he makes up from seven nut cakes, five seed puddings, two cabbage salads, and fifteen little cheeses, all rolled into little balls. A happy ending is assured when the Funny Thing discovers he loves jum-jills and is convinced that they will make his tail grow longer and his blue points grow more beautiful. He returns each day for the treats and never eats another doll.

Best known for her Newbery Honor winner, Millions of Cats, Wanda Gág (1893-1946) was a pioneer in children's book writing and illustration. Her ground-breaking technique of integrating illustrations with the text is evident in all of her classic books. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, she rose from poverty to international acclaim as a children's book author, artist, and illustrator. In recognition of her artistry, she was posthumously awarded the 1958 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for Millions of Cats and the 1977 Kerlan Award for her body of work. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Three Generations of Jumjills
Imagine my feelings when I couldn't locate my "over 50" years old copy of The Funny Thing! Not only can I repeat the whole story but also my children and their children. Problem is I can't find my copy and without the pictures, I feel a little lost. This book is a tradition in our family and the uncountable times I have served the children "jumjills" has become a family joke. An invaluable book - wonderful story, but then I've always been a Wanda Gag fan - and so are my children and grandchildren.

One of my mother's favorites as a child, and mine too @ 72.
A delightful dragon with an apetite for "jum-jills" sits on top of a mountain devouring them. The drawings beautifully show his tail growing longer and longer as it curls around the peak. I must have a copy for my grandchildren!

How wonderful
What a delight to find that The Funny Thing, which I adored as a child, has been republished in time for my very first grandchild. Wanda Gag's delightful drawings of Bobo will enchant the next generation as surely as it did mine.

The Funny Thing Tickles Funny Bones
My son and I found this gem at the library and it became an instant hit. Though the original publish date was nearly 90 years ago, the subject captivated my son and myself. Drawings and text are pure Gag, (think Millions of Cats), but the story of the Funny Thing with the odd food preference will appeal to any parent who has dreaded making yet another peanut butter and pickle sandwich for a picky eater. The Funny Thing's choice of delicacies may seem a bit outdated to adults, as does Bobo's tearful reaction; however, be prepared to giggle and to add a new phrase (or food?) to your vocabulary...And very good they are, jumjills. And very good she is,Gag. ... Read more

Book Description

In Snippy and Snappy, we are introduced to brother and sister field mice living with their mother and father in a cozy nook in a hay field. Their father enthralls them with stories about gardens in big fields, houses in big gardens, kitchen cupboards in big houses, and big yellow cheeses in big kitchen cupboards.

One day Snippy and Snappy wander away from home while playing with their mother's yarn ball. Their journey takes them to a large house full of mysterious things, including cupboards full of wonderful-smelling cheese. Just as Snappy begins to nibble at a piece of cheese in a mousetrap, their father jumps down to rescue them and lead them safely back home. Gág's delightfully detailed illustrations capture the coziness, wonder, and playfulness of Snippy and Snappy's adventures.

Best known for her Newbery Honor winner, Millions of Cats, Wanda Gág (1893-1946) was a pioneer in children's book writing and illustration. Her ground-breaking technique of integrating illustrations with the text is evident in all of her classic books. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, she rose from poverty to international acclaim as a children's book author, artist, and illustrator. In recognition of her artistry, she was posthumously awarded the 1958 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for Millions of Cats and the 1977 Kerlan Award for her body of work. ... Read more

Book Description

The story of Snow White is told here with simplicity and charm. After her wicked stepmother--jealous of Snow White's extraordinary beauty--expels her from the castle, Snow White encounters seven dwarfs, a poisoned apple, and finally a handsome prince! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Powerful and Compellingly illustrated Snow White
This book was one of my favorite's at our school's library when I was younger. This is far from Disney's version. The illustrations are breath-taking and moody at times, yet they embrace the simple essence of the story. The text is perfect for reading aloud but the pictures deserve many glances. The details in the illustrations are something to behold. Children will enjoy this version but also anyone on the college level interested in fantasy literature and illustration. Bottom Line: A simple yet elegant edition worthy of having a place on your bookshelf. A+

The Power of Illustrations
The reviewer who said this book wasn't for her 5-year old is right. It's not the Disney we all grew up with but rather more grim. It would be for older children. And adults. Read on.

The real treasure in this book is the incredible illustrations. Nancy Burkert has given her pictures a strong mediaeval feel, the detail in each one being extensive. You won't find Doc, Sneezy, Grumpy, et al. here but rather dwarfs: short men with normal-sized heads. For example, the scene in which they are depicted mourning Snow White is truly amazing. You can feel their grief as you see them standing 'round the glass coffin.

This book is interesting for the story-line but absolutely worth owning if you enjoy and appreciate exquisite illustration.

Stories of the unconscious
Parents - read these stories to your kids. No, the Brothers Grimm are not Disney. They are not a contrived fantasy world that teaches your children little fairies will come and save them from their troubles when something goes wrong. Disney is good for sing-a-longs. Parents, if you want to teach your children *life lessons* about growing up, about facing their fears, and about not being ashamed of who they are, read the Grimm tales to them. Then, after you're done, explain to them what these books entail. Teach your child about *life.* Allow their minds to function, because a nonfunctioning mind is clinically dead. .....stories of the unconscious.....

too graphic for little people
I did not think this was an appropriate book for my 5 year old son. It talked in some detail about eating the liver and lung of Snow White. It ends with a description of the demise of the Queen, "But they had already put iron slippers over a fire of coals, and they brought them in with tongs and set them before her. Then she had to put on the red hot slippers and dance till she dropped down dead." Need I say more? This is not for small children! The pictures are beautiful giving the book a few stars, but there are only pictures on every other spread. My son continued to try to turn the page while I was reading the pages with only words while I am trying to anticipate what to skip over.

A fresh translation of this famous tale.
Jarrell translated this famous folk tale of the Grimm Brothers (Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm, 1785 1863, and Wilhelm Carl Grimm, 1786-1859) of the princess who is forced to hide from her evil stepmother. Jarrell retains the grim ending to the Grimm brothers tale. This issue was illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkett and it was a 1973 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustration in a children's book. It is a book that should be on the shelves of all serious students of children literature. ... Read more

Book Description

A collection of 15 fairy tales from the brothers Grimm, retold in this text with a contemporary approach and including "Snow White", "Rapunzel"and "Hansel and Gretel". ... Read more

Reviews (1)

WONDERFULLY OUTSTANDING!
I have had this book for YEARS, recently re-covered it in a bookbinding workshop and LOVE IT! The stories are not sappy or sticky like that of the Disney versions and not dark and scary like that of the Grimm Brothers style. Their just a little scary and still have an amusing yet pleasant ending. I have been reading these stories to my kindergarten students for years and they truly enjoy them - often using "advanced" reading skills (predicting, applying themes and ideas etc...) while I do read aloud. Many of the tales are classics (Rapunzel, The Fisherman and His Wife), but the two that stand out are Cinderella (3 balls, a GOLDEN slipper and pitch...) and The Six Servants (many subtle references to the trinity with it's multiples of three in the story line - early "Christian" propaganda). The language is rich, vibrant, alive and classic - just classic enough for excellent questioning. I highly and strongly recommend this book to collector's as well as teachers, and parents alike. I have a lengthy background in children's literature and this is in my top 10 list...If you find it - buy it! ... Read more