Wanda Gág

Wanda Gág was an American author and illustrator best known for her groundbreaking children's book "Millions of Cats," which earned a Newbery Honor Award and later received the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1958. Born in 1893 in New Ulm, Minnesota, she came from a family of Bohemian descent with strong artistic influences. Her work gained prominence after her 1923 exhibition at the New York Public Library, establishing her reputation as both an artist and writer.

Gág pioneered the integration of text and illustration in children's literature, creating visually engaging stories that captivated young readers. Beyond "Millions of Cats," she contributed illustrations to works like "A Child’s Book of Folk-Lore" and produced lithographs that garnered critical acclaim. Her artistic style often reflected her progressive values, as she supported feminist ideals and contributed to socialist publications such as "The New Masses."

Posthumously honored with the 1977 Kerlan Award for her contributions to children's literature, Gág remains celebrated for her innovative approach to storytelling. Her legacy endures through her timeless works, which continue to influence generations of readers and illustrators. She passed away in New York City in 1946.