Wanda Ga'g: Storybook Artist

by Gwenyth Swain Minnesota Historical Society Press (August 2005) Description A lively biography for middle readers about the bohemian artist who authored such children’s classics as Millions of Cats and Snippy and Snappy. Famous for her elegantly written and whimsically illustrated children's books Millions of Cats, The Funny Thing, Snippy and Snappy, and Tales from Grimm, Wanda Gág (1893–1946) lived a life not unlike that of the characters in the German fairy tales that her grandparents told her as a girl. In a new biography for young readers, award-winning author Gwenyth Swain brings the visionary and eccentric artist to life. Swain takes readers into Wanda's girlhood in rural Minnesota, where, from an early age, her artistic talents flourished. Yet Wanda, the eldest of seven siblings, was pushed abruptly into adulthood when her father's untimely death left her in charge of the household. After years of struggle, Wanda Gág was finally able to go to New York to pursue her passion. Her art was eventually featured at top galleries and her books, influenced by her love of nature and animals, became wildly popular among children and critics across the United States. Complemented by Wanda's illustrations, letters, and diary entries, Wanda Gág: Storybook Artist illuminates for young readers the amazing life of a charismatic artist who triumphed over adversity to realize her dreams. Author Information Minnesota Book Award–winner Gwenyth Swain is the author of over twenty books for children, including the biographies Dred and Harriet Scott (Borealis Books) and Little Crow (Borealis Books). She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. paperback 112 pages 40 b&w illustrations 9 x 6 inches ISBN:  9780873515443