MILLIONS OF CATS by Wanda Gag

Bibliography

Gag, Wanda. 1928. Millions of Cats. New York, New York: The Penguin Group.

Summary

A very little old man and woman lead a simple but lonely life. In order to have a happier life, the little old woman sends the little old man in search of the perfect cat. When the little old man finds a hill full of cats, he returns with more than the little old woman bargained for and they have to figure out a way to choose the most perfect cat for them.

Critical Analysis

This story starts with the somber mood created by a lonely couple. As they plan to find companionship in a “sweet little fluffy cat” and the man discovers a hill full of cats, the reader feels the same sense of hope that man must have. Excitement builds as the refrain “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats” is introduced. The reader is full of anticipation as the man cannot seem to pick just one cat from so many. Then, as he arrives home with his hoard of kittens, the reader begins to wonder, just as the little old woman does, how ever will they be able to care for such herd.

The illustrations, while black and white, give just enough detail to tell the story. The drawings give illusion to the distance the little old man must have traveled over hills and through valleys. Gag also does a wonderful job of helping the reader picture what millions of cats might actually look like.

Review Excerpts

1929 Newbery Honor

Top 100 Picture Books #21 by School Library Journal

From School Library Journal - "A classic, that could make anyone a cat lover." – Pat Vasilik

Connections

Read other books by Wanda Gag:

            ABC Bunny – ISBN 0816644160

            The Funny Thing – ISBN 0816642419

Use as a descriptive writing prompt. Have the students write about what the most beautiful cat (or any animal) would be to them.