The Funny Thing
The whimsical successor to Millions of Cats
The Funny Thing is Gág’s follow-up to her well-loved, Millions of Cats. It tells the story of a curious “aminal” that eats children’s dolls. A kindly man named Bobo cannot stand by and allow this to happen. He entices it to eat the concoction “jum-jills.” A happy ending is assured when the Funny Thing discovers he loves them and never eats another doll.
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
The Funny Thing is Gág’s follow-up to her well-loved first book, Millions of Cats. It tells the story of a curious dragon-like “aminal” that eats children’s dolls. A kindly old man named Bobo cannot stand by and allow the Funny Thing to steal dolls from children. He entices it to eat “jum-jills,” a concoction he makes up from seven nut cakes, five seed puddings, two cabbage salads, and fifteen little cheeses, all rolled into little balls. A happy ending is assured when the Funny Thing discovers he loves jum-jills and is convinced that they will make his tail grow longer and his blue points grow more beautiful. He returns each day for the treats and never eats another doll.
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
Related Publications
The ABC Bunny
An unfortunate accident with an Apple drives Bunny from Bunnyland to Elsewhere. Every letter in the alphabet is represented in Bunny’s journey, through what he eats (Greens), to whom he meets (Insects, Jay, Kitten, Lizard), and then a little sleep (Nap), to Tripping back to town, right side Up and Up-side-down.
Gone Is Gone
or the Story of a Man Who Wanted to Do Housework
The classic illustrated folktale by the author of Millions of Cats—now back in print after nearly thirty years!
Snippy and Snappy
A charming tale of two little field mice and their adventure in the big, wide world
Nothing at All
“Nothing at All” is the name of an orphaned puppy living with his two brothers until two children come to adopt them. Unfortunately, Nothing at All gets inadvertently left behind—not out of cruelty, but because he is invisible!
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Wanda Gág interjects her own humor and adorable illustrations into this classic tale of the Brothers Grimm.
More Tales from Grimm
Enchanting adaptations of Grimm’s fairy tales by renowned artist and author Wanda Gág
