by Ray, Deborah Kogan.
Publishers Weekly
: Starred Review. Widely known for her picture book classic Millions of Cats, Gág (1893–1946) is the inspiring subject of Ray's well-conceived biography. Focusing on Gág's upbringing in a German-speaking community in Minnesota, Ray (To Go Singing Through the World) deftly interweaves her narrative with passages from Gág's childhood diaries, vividly conjuring the passionate artist and her hunger for drawing (I can't help it that I've got to draw and paint forever; I cannot stop, I cannot, cannot, CANNOT, writes Gág). Illustrations loosely recall folk art in their use of frontal compositions and bold color as they depict the various settings—the old-world Bohemian atmosphere of Gág's early life and, later, the art world of New York City—with fine naturalistic and period detail. Readers will relate to the elements Ray highlights: Gág's love for fairy tales, the bustling activities of her grandparents' tiny village and the example of her artist father, whose dying words to his 15-year-old daughter drove her for the rest of her life—What Papa couldn't do, Wanda will have to finish. An exemplary integration of primary research in a compelling, visually exciting book. Ages 6–8. (Oct.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions Inc. Terms
School Library Journal
: Gr 2–4—This charming biography of the creator of Millions of Cats, "the first modern picture book," shows how Gág's family and childhood inspired her lifelong pursuit of art. Born in 1893 to German-speaking parents from Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), she grew up in a small town in Minnesota with her five younger sisters and brother. Nourished on German fairy tales and her artist father's love of painting and drawing, Wanda was determined to honor his dying wish that she attend art school. "She refused to let go of her passion…. Or the responsibility of educating herself and her sisters and brother…." Each page of text is introduced with a quote from the subject's diaries and letters, and faces a white-framed illustration reflecting the Old World charm of her childhood, which comes to life with Ray's evocative paintings. Readers will want to discover or revisit the work of this classic author after reading this loving tribute.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions Inc. Terms
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