The Funny Thing

By Wanda Gág

Book Overview

"The Funny Thing" is a whimsical and imaginative children's tale by the renowned author and illustrator Wanda G g. The story introduces readers to Bobo, a kind-hearted mountain man who spends his time caring for the local wildlife. His peaceful life takes a turn when he encounters a peculiar, dragon-like creature known as the Funny Thing. This strange "aminal" has a blue-pointed tail and a very unfortunate habit: it loves to eat dolls.

Worried about the toys of children everywhere, Bobo uses his ingenuity to save the dolls by offering the creature a different kind of snack. He creates "jum-jills," which are delicious, healthy balls made of nuts and seeds. As the Funny Thing develops a taste for this new food, both its diet and its temperament undergo a delightful transformation. Written with G g's signature folkloric charm and rhythmic prose, "The Funny Thing" is a celebration of kindness and clever problem-solving. This work stands as a cornerstone of early American picture book history, beloved for its eccentric character design and its playful approach to fantasy and friendship.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102546981X
• ISBN13: 9781025469812
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 36 Pages
• Weight: 0.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"

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.