Wanda Gag

For ages 9-12. Famous for her elegantly written and whimsically illustrated childrens books, Wanda Gag (1893-1946) lived a life not unlike that of the characters in the German fairy tales that her grandparents told her as a girl. In a new biography for young readers, award-winning author Gwenyth Swain brings the visionary and eccentric artist to life. Swain takes readers into Wandas girlhood in rural Minnesota, where, from an early age, her artistic talents flourished. Yet Wanda, the eldest of seven siblings, was pushed abruptly into adulthood when her fathers untimely death left her in charge of the household. After years of struggle, Wanda Gag was finally able to go to New York to pursue her passion. Her art was eventually featured at top galleries and her books, influenced by her love of nature and animals, became wildly popular among children and critics across the United States. Complemented by Wandas illustrations, letters, and diary entries, this book illuminates for young readers the amazing life of a charismatic artist who triumphed over adversity to realise her dreams.