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Wanda Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw
Wanda Gág (pronounced "Gog") is well known as the author and illustrator of Millions of Cats , one of the best-loved children's books ever published. But not many people know how interesting and inspiring her life was. Following in the footsteps of her beloved artist father, Wanda led an idyllic childhood, drawing and listening to old-world fairy tales. But when her father died, it was teenage Wanda who worked hard to keep her seven younger siblings fed, clothed, and laughing. She never lost sight of her love of art, however, and her tremendous willpower won her a coveted scholarship to the Art Students League in New York City and then led to a gallery show of her artwork--where an editor of children's books got an idea for a book. The rest, as they say, is history!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 16, 2019
What a wonderful book, this was so absorbing for an adult but also aimed well at younger readers. This story tells of the life of Wanda Gàg (which we learnt rhymes with jog not bag) What a hard life she had and how inspirational. The story was very emotional in places but there was lots of hope and happiness too. I loved her fathers last words to her. I liked the way the book included extracts from Wanda's diary throughout the story.
The story had nice illustrations although I would have preferred some done in her style and I would have liked to have seen some examples of her work, especially her early work in the back of the book, this would have definitely made this a five star for me.
This is a really interesting and inspirational story and I would highly recommend reading this to those who appreciate Wanda's artwork. It is also such an interesting story that even if you didn't like this artists work I think the story would still be very enjoyable.
Read on openlibrary.
The story had nice illustrations although I would have preferred some done in her style and I would have liked to have seen some examples of her work, especially her early work in the back of the book, this would have definitely made this a five star for me.
This is a really interesting and inspirational story and I would highly recommend reading this to those who appreciate Wanda's artwork. It is also such an interesting story that even if you didn't like this artists work I think the story would still be very enjoyable.
Read on openlibrary.
August 5, 2020
Deborah Kogan Ray's Wanda Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw is a short but always sufficiently detailed picture book biography of famous Bohemian-American children's illustrator and author Wanda Gág (amongst her many books being Newbery Award winner Millions of Cats and Newbery Honour winner The ABC Bunny), a delightful narrative that not only covers and describes the main points both happy and sad, both triumphant and tragic of Wanda Gág's life, but also very much and importantly demonstrates that especially with regard to children who are by nature artistically inclined and talented, a supportive and indeed equally art and culture hungry family is often not only a boon but indeed sometimes even what artistic children very much do require in order to flourish and be able to without reservations engage in their craft, in their artistic desires and wants. For without especially her father's constant encouragement and this even as he was dying of consumption, and equally without Wanda Gág's entire family being all and sundry absolutely and totally both "into" art and always sympathetic to and understanding of not only Wanda's talents but also and especially her decided need to constantly be drawing, painting etc., while Wanda Gág might still have become an artist without said support and encouragement, as art was obviously where her so-called calling lay, becoming an artist might well have proven considerably more difficult and painful, with more hurdles to surmount had her family not been right from square one so to speak so totally and utterly in favour of her artistic endeavours (as even when after her father's death, fifteen year old Wanda as the eldest was hard at work trying to earn money for her family's basic needs and to provide for her younger siblings an adequate education, much if not even the majority of her employment opportunities were artistically based, and with her mother's full support, Wanda started selling hand painted and drawn bookmarks, holiday cards and the like, as well as writing and illustrating stories that she would send to magazines, and of course, when Wanda took first place at artistic competitions, any prize money won always went right back into the family coffers).
Now Deborah Kogan Ray's presented narrative is both readable and immediate, and indeed, that in Wanda Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw, Wanda Gág's own words (from her diaries) are often interspersed with Deborah Kogan Ray's text, this does to and for me make Wand Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw much more personal and relatable than if the author had just written about her (for one gets to know Wanda Gág's personality, her feelings and how important especially art in every way was to and for her). An enlightening, informative and yes also very much delightful and inspiring homage to a girl (and later a woman) who defintely truly and utterly lived to draw, to whom art was life and life was art, I highly recommend Wanda Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw and the only reason I am not granting five stars is that although I have certainly very much aesthetically enjoyed the accompanying illustrations, I most definitely would have preferred for Deborah Kogan Ray to have included considerably more of Wanda Gág's own artwork (and also, while I do much appreciate the included author's note and bibliography, I do wish that the latter, that the bibliography were a bit more prominently displayed and not simply relegated to the very last page of Wanda Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw, as truth be told, I almost missed it).
Now Deborah Kogan Ray's presented narrative is both readable and immediate, and indeed, that in Wanda Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw, Wanda Gág's own words (from her diaries) are often interspersed with Deborah Kogan Ray's text, this does to and for me make Wand Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw much more personal and relatable than if the author had just written about her (for one gets to know Wanda Gág's personality, her feelings and how important especially art in every way was to and for her). An enlightening, informative and yes also very much delightful and inspiring homage to a girl (and later a woman) who defintely truly and utterly lived to draw, to whom art was life and life was art, I highly recommend Wanda Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw and the only reason I am not granting five stars is that although I have certainly very much aesthetically enjoyed the accompanying illustrations, I most definitely would have preferred for Deborah Kogan Ray to have included considerably more of Wanda Gág's own artwork (and also, while I do much appreciate the included author's note and bibliography, I do wish that the latter, that the bibliography were a bit more prominently displayed and not simply relegated to the very last page of Wanda Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw, as truth be told, I almost missed it).
July 11, 2010
You know, for what this book is, it is amazing. This story is certainly interesting enough to be written as a biography for adults but, because Gág (rhymes with jog) is most famous for her children’s picture books, having this done as a biography written for children is wonderful. I love how Wanda’s own words (from her diary and other sources) are used in this book. Wanda’s early life was tough and brought me close to tears at times, but it was so inspiring to read about someone who loved something so much and was determined to follow her dreams. I liked the photo of Wanda as an adult with a cat that’s at the end of the book, especially given that I’ve read Millions of Cats and it’s reassuring to see that she loved cats.
The illustrations are charming, from the cat looking at the drawing of a cat on the title page until the final illustration. There are many cats throughout, which I enjoyed. But I thought that all the illustrations were lovely. I am curious about the media used; I looked but did not see any details given.
The author obviously did extensive research in order to write this book, and there is an included bibliography. Because Wanda Gág’s actual words are included, it gives the story a sense of immediacy. It’s a special book. I’m really glad I’d already read [Millions of Cats:] before I read this. I’m sure this book would have inspired me to read it, and also Gág’s other illustrated books.
While it helps to have a supportive family, as Wanda did, this book shows how being persistent about following your dreams, despite adversity, is a worthwhile endeavor.
I love art books, children’s picture books, art books for kids, and, like this one, books about artists for kids. This is a particularly fine example since so much is written about the artist’s childhood. Kids should be able to identify with her.
The illustrations are charming, from the cat looking at the drawing of a cat on the title page until the final illustration. There are many cats throughout, which I enjoyed. But I thought that all the illustrations were lovely. I am curious about the media used; I looked but did not see any details given.
The author obviously did extensive research in order to write this book, and there is an included bibliography. Because Wanda Gág’s actual words are included, it gives the story a sense of immediacy. It’s a special book. I’m really glad I’d already read [Millions of Cats:] before I read this. I’m sure this book would have inspired me to read it, and also Gág’s other illustrated books.
While it helps to have a supportive family, as Wanda did, this book shows how being persistent about following your dreams, despite adversity, is a worthwhile endeavor.
I love art books, children’s picture books, art books for kids, and, like this one, books about artists for kids. This is a particularly fine example since so much is written about the artist’s childhood. Kids should be able to identify with her.
August 16, 2010
I love this book! I'm so grateful to my GoodReads friend Lisa for bringing it to my attention. I regret that I have never been a huge fan of Gag's children's books (because the stories are somewhat lacking for me) though I do think her artwork is special. So, I probably would have ignored this title if I'd come across it on my own. What a sad loss that would have been!
This is the story of Wanda's life from her happy childhood with loving parents and extended family (gosh, I wanted to go along to some of those fun parties at her grandparents' house, and listen to her Mom tell the fairytales!) through the trials of her adolescence (her beloved father passes away and she must become breadwinner for her family while also struggling to make it through high school--and give her siblings that same gift--and keep true to her artistic soul, as her father would have wanted) to her eventual triumphs as an artist (you also get a bit of background into the arts scene around 1920s America). The dedication and spirit Wanda showed are so inspiring! I love that she worked so hard, without giving up on her dreams. In fact, it was perhaps because of her family's need for money that she gained the courage to show her work at an early age and try to make a profit from her art. I was also really touched and inspired by her father, who worked all week decorating other people's houses to put food on the table, but spent his Sundays painting the pictures that were in his imagination and heart. I love that he never gave up on his own dreams even though he had to provide for his family; what a great balance!
Ray's narrative is touching and thoughtful and a delight to read. She begins each page with a brief excerpt from Wanda's own journals, which is a nice touch. The illustrations are gentle and stirring and I really enjoyed them.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves art (or anything other passionate pursuit) and wants to be inspired by those who work their butts off but still manage to honor the muse within. And, if you're already a Wanda Gag (rhymes with "jog") fan, this is not to be missed!
This is the story of Wanda's life from her happy childhood with loving parents and extended family (gosh, I wanted to go along to some of those fun parties at her grandparents' house, and listen to her Mom tell the fairytales!) through the trials of her adolescence (her beloved father passes away and she must become breadwinner for her family while also struggling to make it through high school--and give her siblings that same gift--and keep true to her artistic soul, as her father would have wanted) to her eventual triumphs as an artist (you also get a bit of background into the arts scene around 1920s America). The dedication and spirit Wanda showed are so inspiring! I love that she worked so hard, without giving up on her dreams. In fact, it was perhaps because of her family's need for money that she gained the courage to show her work at an early age and try to make a profit from her art. I was also really touched and inspired by her father, who worked all week decorating other people's houses to put food on the table, but spent his Sundays painting the pictures that were in his imagination and heart. I love that he never gave up on his own dreams even though he had to provide for his family; what a great balance!
Ray's narrative is touching and thoughtful and a delight to read. She begins each page with a brief excerpt from Wanda's own journals, which is a nice touch. The illustrations are gentle and stirring and I really enjoyed them.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves art (or anything other passionate pursuit) and wants to be inspired by those who work their butts off but still manage to honor the muse within. And, if you're already a Wanda Gag (rhymes with "jog") fan, this is not to be missed!
May 28, 2019
This immensely engaging picture-book biography follows the story of artist and children's author Wanda Hazel Gág (pronounced "gog"), whose ground-breaking picture-book
Millions of Cats
, was chosen as a Newbery Honor Book in 1929, and remains in print to this day. Born and raised in Minnesota, in an enclave of German-speaking Bohemian immigrants, Wanda's childhood was a happy one: surrounded by the love of her artistic parents, and her six younger siblings, she imbibed a constant diet of fairy-tales and Old World art. But when her beloved father died of tuberculosis, and her mother, too worn out from caring for her father, was unable to work, sixteen-year-old Wanda became the family breadwinner, temporarily putting away her dreams of art school. But though she shelved her own desires for a time, nothing could keep Wanda from drawing and painting - a calling that would eventually take her (after her family was comfortably settled) to St. Paul and thence to New York City.
Although I've been reading quite a few picture-book biographies intended for younger readers of late, Wanda Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw really stands out as an excellent example of the genre! Not only is it most informative, setting out the basic outline of Gág's life, and filling in many of the details, but the narrative itself is well-written, and really quite moving. I found myself tearing up at a few points, and was immensely impressed with this woman's sense of duty, and her love for her family. Deborah Kogan Ray really captures the fact that this was both a great artist and a great woman! The artwork is likewise appealing, with many little details - I loved the cats Snoopie and Snookie, upon whom Gág based her famous picture-book - that will grab the reader's attention. Included at the rear is a factual afterword, an author's note, and a list for further reading. What more could anyone want?
Highly recommend to all young readers, whether they are artists who are wondering if they "have what it takes," and need some encouragement, or fans of Gág's work.
Although I've been reading quite a few picture-book biographies intended for younger readers of late, Wanda Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw really stands out as an excellent example of the genre! Not only is it most informative, setting out the basic outline of Gág's life, and filling in many of the details, but the narrative itself is well-written, and really quite moving. I found myself tearing up at a few points, and was immensely impressed with this woman's sense of duty, and her love for her family. Deborah Kogan Ray really captures the fact that this was both a great artist and a great woman! The artwork is likewise appealing, with many little details - I loved the cats Snoopie and Snookie, upon whom Gág based her famous picture-book - that will grab the reader's attention. Included at the rear is a factual afterword, an author's note, and a list for further reading. What more could anyone want?
Highly recommend to all young readers, whether they are artists who are wondering if they "have what it takes," and need some encouragement, or fans of Gág's work.
September 15, 2014
When I was growing up, my younger sister was obsessed with cats. She had Millions of Cats (the book... not actually millions of cats), and we both read it numerous times. As an adult who dislikes cats, the premise of that book freaks me out a little bit... but the illustrations are unique and interesting, and completely different than anything that had been put out for children at the time it was written. I came across this short biography of Wanda Gág on We Give Books, so I thought I'd give it a try.
While this book is intended for a young reading audience, it doesn't talk down to kids. The story of Wanda's upbringing, subsequent hardships, and undying love for her art is an inspiring one. Taking into account the time period in question, Wanda also seems to be something of a pioneer; at a time when most working women would have been pushed into a lifelong career of teaching or nursing, she went and became a professional artist, even studying in New York City at one point!
The illustrations were nice, but nothing amazingly special. I think I would have preferred to see the story illustrated with Wanda's own works (apparently, she kept many journals and sketchbooks, so there should've been ample material to choose from). But the story is really what matters, and it is accentuated (quite effectively) with snippets of Wanda's own words.
You don't have to be familiar with Wanda Gág's work to enjoy this book, but it probably doesn't hurt. Read this one, and then check out Millions of Cats to see the book that's often considered to be the first modern picture book.
http://theladybugreads.blogspot.ca/20...
While this book is intended for a young reading audience, it doesn't talk down to kids. The story of Wanda's upbringing, subsequent hardships, and undying love for her art is an inspiring one. Taking into account the time period in question, Wanda also seems to be something of a pioneer; at a time when most working women would have been pushed into a lifelong career of teaching or nursing, she went and became a professional artist, even studying in New York City at one point!
The illustrations were nice, but nothing amazingly special. I think I would have preferred to see the story illustrated with Wanda's own works (apparently, she kept many journals and sketchbooks, so there should've been ample material to choose from). But the story is really what matters, and it is accentuated (quite effectively) with snippets of Wanda's own words.
You don't have to be familiar with Wanda Gág's work to enjoy this book, but it probably doesn't hurt. Read this one, and then check out Millions of Cats to see the book that's often considered to be the first modern picture book.
http://theladybugreads.blogspot.ca/20...
September 12, 2024
Well done, illustrated biography of Wanda Gag (rhymes with jog). Deborah documents the book with a wonderful photograph of Wanda that proves what a wonderful job Deborah did incorporating how Wanda looked with her own style. The cover looks like some of Deborah's fine art that I had the opportunity to see slides of in the late 80's. Deborah uses Wanda's own words to tell the story. I appreciate the author's notes, acknowledgments and bibliography that proved Deborah did her research. A beautiful book and inspirational story about the author/illustrator of Millions of Cats.
April 28, 2012
I love the lines from Wanda Gág's diary across the top of each page.
Wanda Gág - a true Minnesota treasure.
Wanda Gág - a true Minnesota treasure.
October 7, 2017
Subject
Wanda Gag (1893-1946) was an American children's picture book author and illustrator, best known for Millions of Cats.
Scope
The book opens with an explanation of how the reader probably knows of Wanda Gag (through her book, Millions of Cats), and then it dives into a beautifully written narrative of her life, based heavily on entries from her diary. Each page begins with a first-person quotation from the diary, and then the author provides further detail about Gag's cozy childhood filled with art and music, her father's own career as an artist cut short by his death from tuberculosis, and the hardships of her own young adulthood, as her mother grew frail and she was forced to support her younger siblings with whatever meager earnings she could make from her drawing. The story proper ends when Gag publishes and then receives a Newbery Honor for Millions of Cats.
About the Illustrations
The illustrations complement the text nicely, and they chart Gag's maturity from girlhood to adulthood without requiring lengthy explanations of fashion and hairstyles from the text. The pictures help to bring the time period to life, and they also show Gag's sources of inspiration and her drawing techniques. Overall, they do precisely what the pictures in a picture book biography ought to do: support the text, without detracting from the information being presented.
Author's Note
There are three notes at the back of this book. "After Millions of Cats" follows the rest of Gag's picture book career, listing awards she won and her eventual return to the German fairy tales that inspired her during her teen years. "Wanda's Diary" explains the role of the diary entries in this book and also explains how and when she died. Finally, "Author's Note" tells how the author came to accent the A in Gag in the book, and describes how she was able to access the resources from which she took her information. The two-page spread showing the diary note and author's note also show an illustration from Millions of Cats - the one where the scrawny kitten drinks milk and grows fat.
Additional Comments
This is just a lovely book. It is accessible enough that it can be shared with the kindergartners and first graders who have heard Millions of Cats, but it also has appeal to older kids, and even to adults who remember reading the book at a younger age. The inclusion of quotes from the diary, and the author's access to the diary in general also really elevate this book above others of its genre and make it something I would want to re-read more than once. There is a specificity of detail and a feeling of personal confidence that just can't happen in books written about subjects who did not keep records in their own voices. I will definitely be reading this book to my kids after they have read Millions of Cats, and I would recommend it for elementary classrooms and library visits.
Wanda Gag (1893-1946) was an American children's picture book author and illustrator, best known for Millions of Cats.
Scope
The book opens with an explanation of how the reader probably knows of Wanda Gag (through her book, Millions of Cats), and then it dives into a beautifully written narrative of her life, based heavily on entries from her diary. Each page begins with a first-person quotation from the diary, and then the author provides further detail about Gag's cozy childhood filled with art and music, her father's own career as an artist cut short by his death from tuberculosis, and the hardships of her own young adulthood, as her mother grew frail and she was forced to support her younger siblings with whatever meager earnings she could make from her drawing. The story proper ends when Gag publishes and then receives a Newbery Honor for Millions of Cats.
About the Illustrations
The illustrations complement the text nicely, and they chart Gag's maturity from girlhood to adulthood without requiring lengthy explanations of fashion and hairstyles from the text. The pictures help to bring the time period to life, and they also show Gag's sources of inspiration and her drawing techniques. Overall, they do precisely what the pictures in a picture book biography ought to do: support the text, without detracting from the information being presented.
Author's Note
There are three notes at the back of this book. "After Millions of Cats" follows the rest of Gag's picture book career, listing awards she won and her eventual return to the German fairy tales that inspired her during her teen years. "Wanda's Diary" explains the role of the diary entries in this book and also explains how and when she died. Finally, "Author's Note" tells how the author came to accent the A in Gag in the book, and describes how she was able to access the resources from which she took her information. The two-page spread showing the diary note and author's note also show an illustration from Millions of Cats - the one where the scrawny kitten drinks milk and grows fat.
Additional Comments
This is just a lovely book. It is accessible enough that it can be shared with the kindergartners and first graders who have heard Millions of Cats, but it also has appeal to older kids, and even to adults who remember reading the book at a younger age. The inclusion of quotes from the diary, and the author's access to the diary in general also really elevate this book above others of its genre and make it something I would want to re-read more than once. There is a specificity of detail and a feeling of personal confidence that just can't happen in books written about subjects who did not keep records in their own voices. I will definitely be reading this book to my kids after they have read Millions of Cats, and I would recommend it for elementary classrooms and library visits.
April 14, 2016
This title has much to offer many interested readers. Anyone who once cherished Millions of Cats, considered by many to be the first modern picture book, or anyone who loves a rags to riches story of triumph will enjoy this picture book biography about Wanda Gag (rhymes with jog). The author describes her art- and story-filled childhood and early artistic influence and the loss of her father when she was fifteen. But Wanda was stubborn and continued to work on her art even while trying to find a way for the family to survive financially. Eventually, she won a scholarship to an art school in New York, enjoyed an exhibition of her own work, and began creating picture books intended for children. Young readers will love knowing the background behind her famous picture book while older readers will enjoy the snippets from her diary and reading her own words. Luminous illustrations surrounded by abundant white space and pitch-perfect prose pay tribute to an artist who refused to be limited by economics or the visions of others. Hers is a story intended to inspire would-be artists of today. Pair this one with Millions of Cats, of course, or add it to a text set devoted to artists.
October 25, 2020
I cannot even begin to say how much I loved this book. The illustrations are so, so beautiful. Deborah Kogan Ray has truly become one of favorite artists. Plus, I learned so many things about Wanda Gag I didn't know. I got the book from the library, but I may want to have my own copy. Because today is National Art Day I am thinking it would be fun to give a copy of this book and a copy of "Millions of Cats" written by Wanda Gag to a child (or adult!) within my circle to celebrate today.
April 23, 2009
Born to Bohemian parents in Minnesota all the Gag (rhymes with jog, not bag) children were encouraged to actively pursue both the fine and performing arts. Their father, a house painter by trade, was also a painter of pictures and on his deathbed he gave his oldest daughter this commission, “What Papa couldn’t do, Wanda will have to finish.” Starting at age fifteen Wanda began to support the family through the sale of her art. On scholarships she went on to study art in St. Paul and at the Art Students League in New York. At a one-woman show in New York in 1928, she was approached by a children’s book editor, who asked if she had ever considered writing a story. In fact, she had one already written, inspired by the German folktales that she loved as a child. It was called Millions of Cats.
Ray’s gentle and vividly colorful illustrations enliven her picture book biography of her fellow artist.
Ray’s gentle and vividly colorful illustrations enliven her picture book biography of her fellow artist.
June 18, 2012
Wanda Gag (rhymes with jog) is the author and illustrator of the classic Millions of Cats. Deborah Kogan Ray describe Gag's early life and development as an artist. The narrative is enhanced with quotes from the diary that Gag began keeping at the age of 15.
Born in rural Minnesota to German immigrants, Gag observed her father's passion for art and developed her own passion for learning and observing life. After her father dies, Wanda takes on much responsibility for her family but continues her education, eventually earning a scholarship to study art.
Recommended for 2nd - 4th grade, this biography does a lovely job of introducing students to a children's book author, an artist, and a life that most of my students don't know much about. I also enjoyed the illustrations in the book and found the story inspirational and hopeful.
Born in rural Minnesota to German immigrants, Gag observed her father's passion for art and developed her own passion for learning and observing life. After her father dies, Wanda takes on much responsibility for her family but continues her education, eventually earning a scholarship to study art.
Recommended for 2nd - 4th grade, this biography does a lovely job of introducing students to a children's book author, an artist, and a life that most of my students don't know much about. I also enjoyed the illustrations in the book and found the story inspirational and hopeful.
September 14, 2010
Beautifully written and illustrated, Ray has produced a glowing portrait of Wanda Gag, the unique artist and writer known as the mother of the picture book. Using quotes from Gag's own diary, she introduces the reader to Gag as a lively, curious child in her Bohemian-immigrant community in Minnesota. After her beloved father dies, Gag, only 15, taps her talent, devotion, and energy to support her family. The biography follows her as she becomes a successful artist in New York and publishes her groundbreaking classic Millions of Cats. Ray's warm, bright mixed-media illustrations help make this an engaging and likable biography. She includes an author's note with sources and more biographical information on this inspiring woman who persisted in her dream of becoming an artist.
July 27, 2009
This book is a biography of author and artist Wanda Gag. Wanda’s childhood was magical—her artist father encouraged her and her parents told her stories. Even though she lived in the U.S., her community was a small version of Europe. When her father died, he entrusted her to carry on his artistic work and even though her family struggles through poverty, Wanda follows her dreams. The narrative is interwoven with quotations from Wanda Gag’s actual diary and the back of the book has additional information about Wanda, her books, and her diary. The illustrations are beautifully drawn and the abundance of lines gives the pictures a sense of movement. This book is a great information source on a Newbery Award-winning author.
June 4, 2008
Excellent picture book biography of the creator of the classic picture book Millions of Cats. The story itself was inspiring, as well as the way the author and illustrator chose to tell it. Elements (and drawings) from Millions of Cats are woven into the story along with quotes from Wanda Gag's journal, and the book includes extensive footnotes about Wanda Gag, her life after Millions of Cats (and how to pronounce her name). The illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful. I highly recommend this book, even if you're not familiar with Gag. The book is ultimately the story of a girl who made it her mission to create art, against all odds and circumstances.
October 9, 2008
I am profoundly moved by this picture book biography of an amazing artist. It's partially because of my own belief in the power and importance of art in our world, but mostly, it's because Deborah Kogan Ray's candid text, capturing Wanda Gag's spirit, and her oil paintings capturing Gag's world and time. My eyes and heart were drawn to those little lighter/brighter outlines around some of the objects and figures in each painting. I don't really know why, but they seem to be metaphorically significant: flashes of light (hope? human spirit?) peeking through even the darkest times. This is an outstanding biography, even for slightly older readers.
March 31, 2013
"Millions of Cats" was always a favorite of mine. Captain Kangeroo's show used to feature it in a picture book segment and that's where I was exposed to it. The folkloric look of it appealed. This story about its author/illustrator is a nice introduction to what formed the artist. I wished there had been more about her importance to the art of the picture book, but this does a good job of letting kids get to know Gag's background and how that informed her work. The drawings are cozy and old-fashioned.
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July 8, 2011Author of Millions of Cats, Wanda Gág grew up in a family that “buzzed with creative activity.” When her father passed away, Wanda was left to take care and support her family. Taking a job as a teacher left little time for her favorite hobby. Determined to do both, Wanda went out to fulfill her father’s last wish. “I found a new motto: “Draw to live, and live to draw.” One who is an artist, or one who wants to be one (like me) has to dream.”
November 23, 2017
One of the most enlightening ways to quickly learn about someone is through a picture book biography. This is the case for Wanda Gag: The Girl Who Lived to Draw. Artist/author Deborah Kogan Ray provides a colorful presentation of the woman who wrote Millions of Cats. Gag (rhymes with "jog" not "bag") is a Cinderella story of poverty to world famous recognition. She never lost her desire and dream to draw, even while supporting her sisters and brother.
March 28, 2018
This picture book biography of author/illustrator Wanda Gag is a sweet sad story that parents will like and children will tune out. For one thing it should not have been done in a picture book format, a small chapter book would have been much better suited. Unless your child has read and loved much of Wanda Gag's work and enjoys depressing stories of growing up with nearly nothing, than I don't see this connecting with most kiddos.
December 5, 2008
I especially loved the colors in the illustrations of this picturebook biography, very rich and warm. I also appreciated the author's notes that encouraged me to find out more about Wanda Gag (rhymes with jog). She was a very determined, indepentent, and talented girl/woman This may be a good book for young girls looking for strong female role models.
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July 29, 2011This is kind of a clever book--along the lines of the Langston Hughes book. An illustrator's tribute to another artist, she used Wanda Gag's diary that she wrote as a child as the text and illustrated it. The story is best aimed at the mid-grammar school girl, and is a nice story of following your dream to be an artist.
March 7, 2014
Thanks to Wegivebooks.org I am finding a treasure trove of books and information I would have never found otherwise.
Wanda gag (rhymes with fog not bag) wanted to be an artist since birth. This is her life story parred down for children to read. It also has a lot of amazing artwork. It made me want to get my art supplies out and draw again.
Wanda gag (rhymes with fog not bag) wanted to be an artist since birth. This is her life story parred down for children to read. It also has a lot of amazing artwork. It made me want to get my art supplies out and draw again.
April 26, 2015
This is about Wanda Gag who is the first person to write a picture book. It is full of beautiful illustrations. It is also very well-written about Wanda's life. After reading it, I just went through it several times just to look at the pictures. I loved how the author included excerpts from Wanda's diaries through out the story.
January 26, 2009
I haven't read this one to the kids yet, but with our studying art a little bit lately, I plan to do so.
I just loved this book about a girl who was born to draw. Though there were tragedies in her life, Wanda Gag (rhymes with dog) persisted to fulfill her dreams.
I just loved this book about a girl who was born to draw. Though there were tragedies in her life, Wanda Gag (rhymes with dog) persisted to fulfill her dreams.
July 12, 2009
I've loved "Millions of Cats" forever but wow! I had no idea Wanda Gag was such a cool lady. She believed in her unique artistic vision so strongly, and stuck with it through very tough circumstances.
January 28, 2011
I loved how this biography was designed with each page introduced by a quotation from Wanda Gag's diaries. Among other things I learned from the reading was that I had always mispronounced her name. "It 'should rhyme with jog, not bag please!' she told them." said the Author's Note.
April 27, 2012
Terrific biographical picture book about the artist's early years as an artist in Minnesota and NYC. Gág's story of sacrifice and determination to follow her dream is inspiring. I like how the author used excerpts of source material (Gág's diaries) and then expanded upon those quotes.
June 30, 2014
Inspiring! I’m glad I found this book because it’s a great example of not to give up on your dreams despite whatever curve balls life throws your way! I want to read Millions of Cats now! (Oh, her last name sound like “jog” and not “jag.”)
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