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Wanda Gág

Storybook Artist

Gwenyth Swain

STATUS: Available Now
$22.95, cloth, ISBN 0-87351-545-5
$12.95, paper, ISBN 0-87351-544-7
112 pages, 40 b&w illustrations, glossary, chronology, notes, bibliography, index
SUBJECT: Middle Readers/Biography

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Famous for her elegantly written and whimsically illustrated children's books Millions of Cats, The Funny Thing, Snippy and Snappy, and Tales from Grimm, Wanda Gág (1893-1946) lived a life not unlike that of the characters in the German fairy tales that her grandparents told her as a girl.

In a new biography for young readers, award-winning author Gwenyth Swain brings the visionary and eccentric artist to life. Swain takes readers into Wanda's girlhood in rural Minnesota, where, from an early age, her artistic talents flourished. Yet Wanda, the eldest of seven siblings, was pushed abruptly into adulthood when her father's untimely death left her in charge of the household. After years of struggle, Wanda Gág was finally able to go to New York to pursue her passion. Her art was eventually featured at top galleries and her books, influenced by her love of nature and animals, became wildly popular among children and critics across the United States.

Complemented by Wanda's illustrations, letters, and diary entries, Wanda Gág: Storybook Artist illuminates for young readers the amazing life of a charismatic artist who triumphed over adversity to realize her dreams.


About the Author

Gwenyth SwainMinnesota Book Award-winner Gwenyth Swain is the author of over twenty books for children, including the biographies Dred and Harriet Scott (Borealis Books) and Little Crow (Borealis Books). She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.


Reviews & Praise

"A well-researched, thoroughly engaging biography of the mother of the American picture book. Fans of Millions of Cats—and anyone who has wondered about the author of a favorite children's book—will be fascinated with Wanda Gág: Storybook Artist."—Anita Silvey, author of 100 Best Books for Children

"Anyone who aspires to be an author or illustrator will see a little of themselves in this compelling story about Wanda Gág's life."—Betsy Lewis, illustrator of Duck for President and Click, Clack, Moo

"A delightful read with wonderful illustrations. Wanda Gág comes alive in this flowing tale of her life. Now that I know her, I want to read all her books over again, and right now."—Betsy Bowen, woodcut artist and author of Antler, Bear, Canoe: A Northwoods Alphabet Year and Gathering: A Northwoods Counting Book

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