The Funny Thing

The Funny Thing is Gág'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, two cabbage salads, and fifteen little cheeses, all rolled into little balls. A happy ending is assured when the Funny Thing discovers he loves jum-jills and is convinced that they will make his tail grow longer and his blue points grow more beautiful. He returns each day for the treats and never eats another doll.

Best known for her Newbery Honor winner, Millions of Cats, Wanda Gág (1893-1946) was a pioneer in children's book writing and illustration. Her ground-breaking technique of integrating illustrations with the text is evident in all of her classic books. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, she rose from poverty to international acclaim as a children's book author, artist, and illustrator. In recognition of her artistry, she was posthumously awarded the 1958 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for Millions of Cats and the 1977 Kerlan Award for her body of work.

Customer Reviews:

The Funny Thing Tickles Funny Bones

By A Customer - July 30, 1998

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 The Funny Thing's choice of delicacies may seem a bit outdated to adults, as does Bobo's tearful reaction; however, be prepared to giggle and to add a new phrase (or food?)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.

Three Generations of Jumjills

By Judith B. Criden - January 12, 2002

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.

How wonderful

By A Customer - October 1, 1998

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.

AVAILABILITY
Merchant	Format	Price
Amazon US	Paperback	$8.86 - $14.95
eBooks.com	Digital (PDF)	$15.00
BookByte	Paperback	$11.21
eCampus	Paperback	~~$11.66~~ discount!