The Funny Thing - Wanda Gag

The Funny Thing by Wanda Gág / ISBN 9780816642410 / 32-page hardcover, 9.5 X 6.5 inches, from University of Minnesota Press (first published in 1929)

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The whimsical successor to Millions of Cats

The Funny Thing is Gág’s follow-up to her well-loved, Millions of Cats. It tells the story of a curious “aminal” that eats children’s dolls. A kindly man named Bobo cannot stand by and allow this to happen. He entices it to eat the concoction “jum-jills.” A happy ending is assured when the Funny Thing discovers he loves them and never eats another doll.

"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.