Gone Is Gone or The Story of A Man Who Wanted To Do Housework by Wanda Gag

Gag, W. (1935). Gone Is Gone or The Story Of A Man WhoWanted To Do Housework. NY,NY:  University of Minnesota Press. ISBN (2003 edition) 0816642435

Author:  Wanda Gag

Author Website:  No Author Website

Illustrator:  Wanda Gag

Illustrator Website:  No Illustrator

Media Used: Lithographs prints of black and white drawings

Publisher:  University of Minnesota Press

Year of Publication:  Reprint Edition 2003 Original Publication 1935

ISBN:  0888993900

Annotation:  This is an old German folk tale about a farmer who thinks he works harder than his wife.  They decide to switch jobs for a day and disaster ensues in the house with the farmer in control.

Personal Reaction: This humorous tale is always fun to reread.  It certainly reminds the reader to know that the grass is not always greener on the other side.  It also speaks to deciding to be the bigger person when you are proven right when the wife says “Well then if that is how it is we can live in peace …” This tale would be good for a social interaction discussion among many different age groups. 

Illustration:  Gag’s historical illustrations are an enjoyable adjunct to the narrative.  The simple lithographs aptly show the action as well as great depictions as in the thirsty cow after having been cut down from the noose by the farmer’s wife. 

Use of Media: The black and white drawings are historic because at the time of original publication children’s books were not illustrated and this title became an instant hit and sparked the use of picture books for young readers. 

Literary Device Used:  Gone is gone is an alliteration as well as Hulla, Hui as an exclamation.