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We are very fortunate to have available the University of Minnesota Press’ newly reprinted editions of three of Wanda Gág’s books: The Funny Thing (1929), Gone is Gone (1935), and Snippy and Snappy (1931).
New Ulm, Minnesota resident and internationally famous children’s book author and illustrator, Wanda Gág’s books were favorites with several generations of children. Made possible by the Fesler-Lampert Minnesota Heritage Series, these three books are once again available in beautiful editions with stitched bindings, acid-free paper, sturdy covers, and glossy dust jackets. The illustrations are crisp and true. The typesetting is finely detailed and easy to read. For more information about these newly reprinted books, please visit the University of Minnesota Press’ website.
Three additional titles were made available in the Fall of 2004: ABC Bunny, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Nothing at All.
Ms. Gág was given the Kerlan Award in 1977 for her entire body of work and the Newbery Honor Award for Millions of Cats. We hope you’ll take a look at these classic books made brand new, waiting for young readers to discover them all over again.
The Wanda Gág Home
Wanda Gág’s childhood home is a Victorian “painted lady” that has been restored to reveal seven areas of original stenciling by her father Anton. There are displays of family photographs of the Gág children (look for the flamboyant names!) as well as examples of Anton’s professional photography. There are sketches that Wanda did, a blouse that she wore, and a children’s game that she invented. During the restoration of the attic where the children played, 506 items were retrieved from under the floorboards—paintbrushes, watercolors, doll heads, doll clothes, marbles, and beads.
Tours of the house are seasonal, but special arrangements can be made ahead anytime by calling the number listed. A birthday celebration weekend with activities is planned for the weekend closest to Wanda’s March 11th birthday. The New Ulm website offers dates of many area activities including an infamous Octoberfest, so you may want to combine your visit with an area event. Include a visit to the Cathedral to see Anton’s cherubs.