Millions of Cats by Wanda Ga'g

Millions of Cats
Wanda Ga`g

Ga`g, Wanda. 1928. Millions of Cats. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN: 0399233156

Newbery Honor Book, Millions of Cats tells the story of a lonely old couple who wish for a cat to keep them company. The old man, wanting to please the old woman, goes out in search of cat to share their home. On his journey he sees cats up into the trillions and decides that he will choose the prettiest to take home, except, they are all pretty and he cannot bear to part with any of them. So, he brings all the cats home where they start to fight over who is prettiest and eventually they all disappear, except for one little kitten who did not think she was pretty so she survived. The story ends with this kitten being the perfect pet for the old couple to share their home with.

This book has many themes running throughout it, most that might be over the head of children reading this picture book. Themes such as greed and envy give a very adult bent to an otherwise children’s story. These deeper meanings are subtle and a moral could be portrayed in simpler terms for a child to learn from.

One of the greatest things about this picture book is the use of the rhyme, “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions, and trillions of cats” (Ga`g). This can easily involve the child as this line is repeated throughout the book, and is easy enough to remember that the child could believe they are reading.

This picture book does have other strengths and weaknesses though. The characters are one of its biggest strengths. An elderly couple that live alone and want a pet are easy to relate to. They have a unique way of relating to each other and their pet. Devotion for one another is the easiest characteristic to pinpoint between them. Children will also be able to relate to the wish to have a pet. This might help those that are contemplating getting a cat. Some of the weaknesses come in the treatment of the cats. The tale takes a slightly morbid turn when the cats attack and kill and supposedly eat each other. This imagery might scare some children and change the way they view the book. Review for the book have been positive for the 83 years that it has been in print. Touted as the “first” picture book it has staying power as a classic, regardless of the audience.

"This Newbery Honor winner is distinguished by innovative design and a strong storyteller's cadence." (School Library Journal's "One Hundred Books that Shaped the Century").

Since this book deals with multiples of things and the problems that ensue from those multiples, readers also might enjoy: Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business by Esphyr Slobodkina.

One great idea that has come from this book is Cat Herding Day (courtesy http://childrensbookalmanac.com/2010/12/millions-of-cats/.) Celebrated on December 15, this would be a great classroom activity when reading this great picture book.