Snippy and Snappy - Wanda Gag

Snippy and Snappy by Wanda Gág / ISBN 9780816642458 / 48-page hardcover, 9.5 X 6.5 inches, from University of Minnesota Press (first published in 1931)

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A charming tale of two little field mice and their adventure in the big, wide world

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.

"Gág was among the first to create what we now call an artist-concept book--written, designed, and illustrated by one person. Her stories always have a funny twist that appeals to children. Her simplicity appeals in this complex world."--St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Her body of children’s books is not large, but each title is a treasure, done in her instantly recognizable style."--Horn Book Magazine

Best known for her Newbery Honor winner Millions of Cats, Wanda Gág (1893–1946) was a pioneer in children’s book writing, integrating text and illustration. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, she rose to international acclaim. 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.