Summary:
Millions of Cats is a delightful children’s book written and illustrated by Wanda Gág. It tells the story of an elderly couple who decide to get a cat but end up with millions of them. The book explores themes of love, compassion, and the importance of individuality. Through its charming illustrations and simple yet profound narrative, Millions of Cats teaches children about the beauty of diversity and the value of every living creature.

The Old Couple’s Wish for a Cat

The story begins with an old couple who live in a small house on a hill. Feeling lonely, they decide to get a cat to keep them company. The old man sets off to find a cat, while the old woman stays home and waits eagerly for his return.

The Old Man’s Encounter with Millions of Cats

As the old man searches for a cat, he comes across a hill covered in countless cats. Each cat claims to be the prettiest, and the old man cannot choose just one. He decides to bring them all home, thinking that they will make his wife happy. However, as he approaches his house, the cats start fighting, scratching, and biting each other, causing chaos and destruction.

The Wise Old Woman’s Solution

When the old man arrives home with the cats, the old woman is shocked and saddened by the sight of the fighting felines. She realizes that they cannot keep all the cats and that they need to find a solution. The wise old woman suggests that they ask the cats which one of them is the oldest and wisest.

The cats gather and argue about who is the oldest, but eventually, they all agree that the cat with the softest fur is the oldest and wisest. The old woman then asks the cats if they would like to be her cat, to which they all respond with a resounding “yes.” The old woman chooses the softest cat and names him “Catskin.”

As Catskin becomes the couple’s pet, the other cats realize that they are all unique and special in their own ways. They decide to go their separate ways, leaving only Catskin with the old couple. The old couple is overjoyed to have found their perfect cat and live happily ever after.

• Key Takeaways:
• Love and compassion can lead to unexpected and wonderful outcomes.
• Individuality should be celebrated and valued.
• Beauty is subjective, and everyone has their own unique qualities.

“Cats here, cats there, Cats and kittens everywhere, Hundreds of cats, Thousands of cats, Millions and billions and trillions of cats.”

Millions of Cats is a heartwarming tale that teaches children about the importance of love, compassion, and appreciating the individuality of every living creature. Through its simple yet profound narrative and captivating illustrations, the book encourages readers to embrace diversity and find joy in the unique qualities of each person or animal they encounter. The story also reminds us that sometimes, what we think we want may not be what we truly need, and that true happiness often lies in unexpected places.