MILLIONS OF CATS by Wanda Gág

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ga’g, Wanda.  1928.  Millions of Cats.  New York: Puffin Books.  ISBN 9780142407080

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In this picture book, Wanda Ga’g writes a story of a very old couple that is lonely.  At his wife’s request, the husband sets out in search of “a sweet, little, fluffy cat” to fill their void.  As indicated by the title, the task turns out to be more difficult than expected, and he returns home with much more than one cat.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Ga’g captures the overwhelming difficulty in selecting the perfect pet.  "So it happened that every time the very old man looked up, he saw another cat which was so pretty he could not bear to leave it . . .” The author expresses humorously with hyperbole how quickly one might end up with “millions and billions and trillions of cats.”  This is the perfect book to read with a child who finds it difficult to make a decision or just for fun!

Wanda Ga’g’s black and white illustrations enhance the folk-tale appearance.  The absence of color allows the viewer to appreciate the detail of the images and her excellent use of shadows is evident.  Some of the landscape images continue across the open pages, creating a wide screen view of the story, and the reader can observe the unending parade of cats when the old man arrives at his front door, greeting by his wife.  Other pages are filled with images of hill country, continued throughout the old man's search for the perfect cat.  The hill's curves, the wavy paths, the curling tails, and arched cats keep the viewers eyes continually moving page after page.   

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Newbery Honor Award, 1929

Lewis Carroll Shelf Award

School Library Journal's "One Hundred Books that Shaped the Century"

This Newbery Honor winner is distinguished by innovative design and a strong storyteller's cadence.

The New York Times

A perennial favorite.

"Starred in School Library Journal

Not only was this a ground-breaking picture book, but it has one of the best refrains ever. – Faith Brautigam

5. CONNECTIONS

*Lead a discussion on the importance of making decisions.

*Introduce self-esteem in referring to the changes of the "thin and scraggly" kitten at the end of the story. (Lesson Plan provided by Scholastic)

*Read and compare other books written and illustrated by Wanda Gag:
Gag, Wanda.  Nothing At All.  ISBN 0816644187

Gag, Wanda.  The Funny Thing.  ISBN 0816642410