Picture Book- Millions of Cats

 

 Bibliographic data

Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag

Paperstar ©1928

ISBN: 9780698113633

Brief Plot Summary

An elderly couple resolves to treat their loneliness by getting a cat. The old man sets out on a long journey only to find millions of cats. Unable to decide on one he takes all of them home. The old woman is displeased and stressed about the impossibility of caring for so many. Then all the cats “quarrel” until they devour one another, leaving behind one, ugly, scraggly kitten. The couple cares for it until it becomes beautiful and healthy.

Critical Analysis

Written in the late 20’s this book differs in many ways to picture books of today. The illustrations are black and white and hand-written text. Early literacy experts of today advise to read books with simple bright pictures, which this book lacks. Another weakness is the language in this book. It features many run on sentences. It is nearly too verbose too read aloud to younger audiences. One could argue the language contributes to its strength as an epic tale. The language does create vast and magical images. The pictures too support this imagery by using foreshortening art techniques and layering hilly scenes.

Review Excerpt(s)

A top 100 book of the last 100 years- New York Public Library 2013

“Considered by many to have ushered in the age of the modern picture book, this Newbery Honor winner is characterized by innovative design and a strong storyteller’s cadence.” -SLJ

Connections

Help children visualize the story by using felts, particularly during the parts that describe the different cats.

Compare and discuss choosing a beautiful cat or the unhealthy cat. Talk about the feelings associated with nursing the cat back to good health.

Read other stories feature cats like Pete the Cat by Eric Litwin.

Create a STEM storytime by using books and songs to understand numbers. Use a book like How Much Is a Million by David Schwartz. Do estimation activities like guessing how many jellybeans are in a jar.

Have the audience chant along to the repeating line- “Hundreds of cats, thousands of cats…”