Snippy and Snappy

2003
Author:

Wanda Gág

A charming tale of two little field mice and their adventure in the big, wide world

In Snippy and Snappy, we are introduced to brother and sister field mice living in a cozy nook in a hay field. One day Snippy and Snappy wander away from home while playing with their mother’s yarn ball. Their journey takes them to a house full of mysterious things. Gág’s delightfully detailed illustrations capture the coziness, wonder, and playfulness of their adventures.

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

In Snippy and Snappy, we are introduced to brother and sister field mice living with their mother and father in a cozy nook in a hay field. Their father enthralls them with stories about gardens in big fields, houses in big gardens, kitchen cupboards in big houses, and big yellow cheeses in big kitchen cupboards.

One day Snippy and Snappy wander away from home while playing with their mother’s yarn ball. Their journey takes them to a large house full of mysterious things, including cupboards full of wonderful-smelling cheese. Just as Snappy begins to nibble at a piece of cheese in a mousetrap, their father jumps down to rescue them and lead them safely back home. Gág’s delightfully detailed illustrations capture the coziness, wonder, and playfulness of Snippy and Snappy’s adventures.

Best known for her Newbery Honor winner, Millions of Cats, Wanda Gág (1893–1946) was a pioneer in children’s book writing and illustration. Her ground-breaking technique of integrating illustrations with the text is evident in all of her classic books. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, she rose from poverty to international acclaim as a children’s book author, artist, and illustrator. 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.

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