A review by schmoterp
The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth

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.