The Funny Thing

by Wanda Gág

Book Overview

The whimsical successor to Millions of Cats

The Funny Thing is G g's follow-up to her well-loved first book, Millions of Cats. It tells the story of a curious dragon-like "aminal" that eats children's dolls. A kindly old man named Bobo cannot stand by and allow the Funny Thing to steal dolls from children. He entices it to eat "jum-jills," a concoction he makes up from seven nut cakes, five seed puddings,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0816642419
• ISBN13: 9780816642410
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.8" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Fun book to read together

When my children were small they got this book from the library every other time we went, and I just ordered it for my grandchildren. Great to read together - ages maybe 4-7.

Three Generations of Jumjills

Imagine my feelings when I couldn't locate my "over 50" years old copy of The Funny Thing! Not only can I repeat the whole story but also my children and their children. Problem is I can't find my copy and without the pictures, I feel a little lost. This book is a tradition in our family and the uncountable times I have served the children "jumjills" has become a family joke. An invaluable book - wonderful story, but then I've always been a Wanda Gag fan - and so are my children and grandchildren.

One of my mother's favorites as a child, and mine too @ 72.

A delightful dragon with an apetite for "jum-jills" sits on top of a mountain devouring them. The drawings beautifully show his tail growing longer and longer as it curls around the peak. I must have a copy for my grandchildren!

How wonderful

What a delight to find that The Funny Thing, which I adored as a child, has been republished in time for my very first grandchild. Wanda Gag's delightful drawings of Bobo will enchant the next generation as surely as it did mine.

The Funny Thing Tickles Funny Bones

My son and I found this gem at the library and it became an instant hit. Though the original publish date was nearly 90 years ago, the subject captivated my son and myself. Drawings and text are pure Gag, (think Millions of Cats), but the story of the Funny Thing with the odd food preference will appeal to any parent who has dreaded making yet another peanut butter and pickle sandwich for a picky eater. The Funny Thing's choice of delicacies may seem a bit outdated to adults, as does Bobo's tearful reaction; however, be prepared to giggle and to add a new phrase (or food?) to your vocabulary...And very good they are, jumjills. And very good she is,Gag.