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A review by cpoole
The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth
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.