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readswithjennifer's review against another edition
3.0
"Sometimes the painting came easy, sometimes it came hard, sometimes the artist was pleased with what he had done, sometimes he was disgusted"(33 Coatsworth).
raben_76325's review against another edition
5.0
As long as I have been reading children’s books, it surprises me that there are Newberry Medalists that I have never heard of. However, there are actually a good many that I never knew existed. Such is the case with the most recent book that I read to my six year old, Ellie. The Cat Who Went to Heaven was the Newberry Medal winner for the year 1931, and the story surrounds a penniless painter who is given a big and prestigious assignment, his housekeeper and a stray cat that she brings home from the market.
As the painter works to bring to life a scene of Buddha’s end of life, he meditates on the different animals that paid homage to Buddha, while noting that the cat, “refused homage to Buddha…and so by her own independent act, only the cat has the doors of paradise closed in her face.” He begins to paint in Buddha and the animals, and the cat watches. Will he go with a traditional scene or will he include the cat, even though cats are viewed poorly by the Buddhists around him?
Ellie says that this is a five star book. She says, “It was good because it is good.” I’m not exactly sure what that means, but I think that she means that she enjoyed the story, but perhaps, she didn’t find it to be memorable.
I found that this was a delightful little story. It doesn’t have much substance to it, and the fable itself is actually kind of bittersweet. However, most Buddhist tales that I have read don’t have saccharine sweet endings, so this is appropriate. I think that I am going to give this book to my twelve year old. He enjoys cats and books about them, and he hasn’t had a lot of comparative religion, so this is a good and gentle reminder of who Buddha is and teaches a little about his life and some general ideas about Buddhism.
As the painter works to bring to life a scene of Buddha’s end of life, he meditates on the different animals that paid homage to Buddha, while noting that the cat, “refused homage to Buddha…and so by her own independent act, only the cat has the doors of paradise closed in her face.” He begins to paint in Buddha and the animals, and the cat watches. Will he go with a traditional scene or will he include the cat, even though cats are viewed poorly by the Buddhists around him?
Ellie says that this is a five star book. She says, “It was good because it is good.” I’m not exactly sure what that means, but I think that she means that she enjoyed the story, but perhaps, she didn’t find it to be memorable.
I found that this was a delightful little story. It doesn’t have much substance to it, and the fable itself is actually kind of bittersweet. However, most Buddhist tales that I have read don’t have saccharine sweet endings, so this is appropriate. I think that I am going to give this book to my twelve year old. He enjoys cats and books about them, and he hasn’t had a lot of comparative religion, so this is a good and gentle reminder of who Buddha is and teaches a little about his life and some general ideas about Buddhism.
lmrewis's review against another edition
5.0
This book is all about forgiveness. Anyone can be forgiven. You don't have to stick to old values. Made me cry. Epic.
aomame_hanaloi's review against another edition
4.0
After I read this book, I think grade 4, I have always remembered it as "The cat who died because of Happiness" and the young me have always thought that maybe the real reason why our pets die so early is because of their contentedness for the love shown to them.
weboury's review against another edition
5.0
I first read this book years ago, when I had recently turned 11. I was bought the book as a birthday present, and I haven't regreted it since then.
It's a beautiful story with amazing characters and great stories. I was really moved by this book when I was a child. Now that I'm a bigger child, I still get a warm feeling in my chest when I think of it.
It's a beautiful story with amazing characters and great stories. I was really moved by this book when I was a child. Now that I'm a bigger child, I still get a warm feeling in my chest when I think of it.
schmoterp's review against another edition
2.0
I actually kinda want to get this 1-star but am giving a little credit for being ignorant to Buddhism. The Cat Who Went To Heaven seems to be the Hindu equivalent to the Christian parable/teaching that what we do to the least of our people, we do onto Christ. I am left unimpressed and still questioning the integrity of the Newbery Medal. This is the second Newbery Medal book I've read during the first few years and neither have given me a sense of quality children's literature. I am particularly surprised that a book so heavy on eastern religion would have been considered the gold standard for children's literature in 1931.
I was also surprised at the ending. Christian's believe in the divine ability of miracles and that the unexplainable can be experienced; but I thought Buddhism was different. Again, I claim no true studied knowledge on the subject. I did not get much out of this and would not recommend it to anyone.
I was also surprised at the ending. Christian's believe in the divine ability of miracles and that the unexplainable can be experienced; but I thought Buddhism was different. Again, I claim no true studied knowledge on the subject. I did not get much out of this and would not recommend it to anyone.
cpoole's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a bit biased. I'll adore any book with Asian influence, a cat, and Buddhism. Though, I don't know many children these days who would be entertained with [b:The Cat Who Went to Heaven|200362|The Cat Who Went to Heaven|Elizabeth Coatsworth|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1172629048s/200362.jpg|821853].
Coatsworth, Elizabeth J, and Lynd Ward. The Cat Who Went to Heaven. New York: The Macmillan Co, 1958. Print. 62 p.
(Originally published in 1930)
1931 Newbery Award Winner
When a cat named Good Fortune comes into the lives of a poor Japanese artist and his old housekeeper, their circumstances begin to change for the better. The artist is soon visited by a village priest and invites him to create a painting of the Buddha's death to hang in the temple. The artist meditates on the life of Buddha for three days while preparing to create his art. The artist imagines the beings which have appeared in the Buddha's life. A snail, an elephant, a dog, a horse, deer, and buffalo all appear in his painting. Good Fortune, each day, looks at the painting forlornly when she realizes there is no place for the cat in this holy painting, as cats are legendarily “proud and self-satisfied” (pg 66). However, upon getting to know his new companion, the artist decides to include the cat in his art. The outcome is miraculous. Readers will be exposed to Eastern culture and influences in this fable.
Coatsworth, Elizabeth J, and Lynd Ward. The Cat Who Went to Heaven. New York: The Macmillan Co, 1958. Print. 62 p.
(Originally published in 1930)
1931 Newbery Award Winner
When a cat named Good Fortune comes into the lives of a poor Japanese artist and his old housekeeper, their circumstances begin to change for the better. The artist is soon visited by a village priest and invites him to create a painting of the Buddha's death to hang in the temple. The artist meditates on the life of Buddha for three days while preparing to create his art. The artist imagines the beings which have appeared in the Buddha's life. A snail, an elephant, a dog, a horse, deer, and buffalo all appear in his painting. Good Fortune, each day, looks at the painting forlornly when she realizes there is no place for the cat in this holy painting, as cats are legendarily “proud and self-satisfied” (pg 66). However, upon getting to know his new companion, the artist decides to include the cat in his art. The outcome is miraculous. Readers will be exposed to Eastern culture and influences in this fable.
pussreboots's review against another edition
5.0
I read this lovely book on this hot August afternoon. It's a bittersweet tale of an artist, a cat and the life of Buddha.
kaylana's review against another edition
4.0
A very cute story that introduces some fables from Buddhism. My son really enjoyed it.
margardenlady's review against another edition
5.0
I have no idea whether the teachings of buddha are accurate, but this is a lovely tale of artistry and redemption.