Wanda Gág: A Life of Art and Stories

by Karen Nelson Hoyle

Now in paper. At the young age of just 15, Wanda Gág received her dying father's last wish that she take up his dream of becoming a successful "What papa couldn't do, Wanda would have to finish." Wanda assumed the role of head of the household and became the sole means of support for her sick mother and six siblings. Although times were tough, Wanda persevered and eventually became a celebrated artist and author living in New York City. Karen Nelson Hoyle tells the story of Wanda Gág's eccentric life as a children's book author and traces the significant contributions she made to the genre. Drawn from extensive research of the artist's personal and professional papers and correspondence with friends and contemporaries, Hoyle presents a rich portrait of a gifted artist.

Genres: Biography

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Christopher Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're just looking for a good read, forget this one. It's not poorly written, you understand. It's meant to be and is a rundown on Wanda's life and especially on every single book she ever published, written by a scholar of children's literature. But it was just what I wanted. I'm interested in the old girl and have been since I first saw a portrait of her at 17 or so, oil paint palette in her hand, looking suspiciously at me. I bought her 1940 volume, Growing Pains, composed of excerpts from her extensive growing-up diaries, and that's when she hooked me and reeled me in. She is just my kind of girl.

[Cricket Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanda Gag (bog not bag) known primarily for being the writer/illustrator for Millions of Cats, contributed much more than a classic picture book for children. Her Cinderella story of poverty to fame is worthwhile to know, and this slim volume provides a yuck overview of Gag’s life.