Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág - Book Review

Bibliography: 
Gág, Wanda. 1928. Millions of Cats. Ill by Wanda Gág. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. ISBN 0399233156. 


Plot Summary: 
The book begins with an older couple, sad because they are lonely. The old man departs on a journey to find a cat to make the old woman happy. The old man comes upon a great many cats, but cannot pick just one. He brings all the cats back with him. The old woman is surprised and tells the man they cannot keep all of the cats. The old man and the old woman want the cats to pick the prettiest of them all which brings the cats to all fight each other. The last cat standing is a small kitten (who did not get involved in the cat-fight). The old man and the old woman declare the kitten the best and the three are very content in the end. 


Critical Analysis: 
Wanda Gág brings a wonderful story to life with her illustrations. The drawings are detailed and all in black and white. Many of the pages have too much text for my liking in a picture book (one entire page covered with text). I think it is important to note the book was written and published first in 1928. 
The story follows a good sequence, from the old woman wanting a cat to the old man bringing many cats home, and finally the old couple settling with one cat. The manner in which the cat becomes theirs is important to note as well. This was a small cat that was so scrawny it was overlooked in all the fighting. The words and pictures of the story are logical for a child to understand. 


Awards Won: 
Newbery Honor Award - 1928 
Notable Fact - Oldest American Picture Book still being published
School Library Journal excerpt - "Considered by many to have ushered in the age of the modern picture book, this Newbery Honor winner is characterized by innovative design and a strong storyteller's cadence."


Connections: 
--Other books by Wanda Gág- Snippy and Snappy, The Funny Thing
--Use as an introduction to a math lesson (billion, trillion, etc). 
--Use in a study about cats
--Use in an art class to study the pen & ink drawings
--Use in a lesson about exaggeration




Source:
School Library Journal. "One Hundred Books that Shaped the Century" Review of Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág. School Library Journal, January 1, 2000. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA153035.html