Wanda Gag: The Girl Who Lived to Draw - Hardcover

Ray, Deborah Kogan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0670062928 ISBN 13: 9780670062928

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers, 2008

Synopsis

Wanda Gág (pronounced "Gog") is well known as the author and illustrator of Millions of Cats, one of the best-loved children's books ever published. But not many people know how interesting and inspiring her life was.

Following in the footsteps of her beloved artist father, Wanda led an idyllic childhood, drawing and listening to old-world fairy tales. But when her father died, it was teenage Wanda who worked hard to keep her seven younger siblings fed, clothed, and laughing. She never lost sight of her love of art, however, and her tremendous willpower won her a coveted scholarship to the Art Students League in New York City and then led to a gallery show of her artwork--where an editor of children's books got an idea for a book. The rest, as they say, is history!

About this title

About the Author:

Deborah Kogan Ray has received high praise and starred reviews for her books about famous artists and writers, including To Go Singing Through the World: The Childhood of Pablo Neruda and Hokusai: The Man Who Painted a Mountain. She lives in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania.

From Booklist:

Ray adds to her growing list of picture-book biographies of artists with this handsome introduction to artist and children’s book creator Wanda Gág. In straightforward, evenly paced text that includes well-chosen quotes in Gág’s own words, Ray begins with the artist’s childhood in a close-knit Bohemian immigrant community in Minnesota, where she supported her family with her artwork after her father’s death when she was 15. It then moves on to her successful adult career, which combined New York gallery shows with her children’s book creations, starting with Millions of Cats, which are still beloved and imitated today. Ray’s vivid mixed-media illustrations layer bright colors and rich textures in detailed compositions that invite viewers to linger. Gág’s unwavering devotion to art will inspire many young children, particularly those who, like Gág, began to draw as soon as they “could hold a pencil.” Concluding with an extensive author’s note featuring sources, a photo, and more biographical information, this well-designed title will make an excellent centerpiece for an author study. Grades 2-4. --Gillian Engberg

About this edition

• Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0670062928
• ISBN 13: 9780670062928
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 40