Ceramic cats with one upraised paw, said to bring good luck and prosperity, are fixtures in Japanese storefronts. In her debut, Henrichs retells the traditional story of the cat's origin, in which a lordly stray befriends a monk in a temple, the monk shares his meager provisions with the cat, and the cat's beckoning gesture saves the life of a samurai warrior whose grateful reward relieves the temple's poverty. Henrichs allows the cat to narrate, a device that can feel clunky ("Without warning, I ran out of the temple and into the mighty storm, startling my master"), but does better when explaining unfamiliar elements ("In Japan, it is believed that when a cat washes its face, a guest will arrive"). Jaeggi (Monsoon Afternoon) lavishes care on the watercolor illustrations, in which everyday features of Japanese life—altar statuary, ragged-edged paper umbrellas, and bamboo fencing—add historical and architectural interest. She paints them in subdued, wintry whites and blues, with lively pink cherry blossoms signaling spring as the story moves toward its happy ending. Ages 5–9. (Aug.)
The legend upon which this tale is based originated more than 350 years ago, yet it is still reflected in a contemporary Japanese icon. Multilayered, it is a story of compassion, safety in the time of need, and friendship between man and beast. A homeless Japanese bobtail wins the affection of a poor monk and finds shelter in his deteriorating temple. The holy man names the little stray, Tama, after the river flowing by his childhood home. Both priest and beast feel responsible for the welfare of the other because of their mutual devotion. One day, during a fierce storm, Tama runs out into the wild weather and meets a stranger that forever changes the fortunes of the loving master, and gives legendary status to the selfless cat. Even to this day, Tama is honored in the millions of statues of the welcoming cat, with the one raised paw. Breathtaking illustrations create a perfect partner for this ancient tale. Libraries, classrooms, and home shelves may wish to hold this informative book so beautifully depicting the sacrificial element evident in the Buddhist religion. Reviewer: Janice DeLong
Many youngsters have seen the traditional “lucky cat” figurines in storefronts and Japanese restaurants: the cat with its paw bobbing up and down in greeting. This book tells the story behind the cat. According to legend, a hungry, homeless cat, Tama, is taken in and befriended by a kind, selfless monk. His temple is rundown, but they live together in harmony as the monk tries to help people around him. During a storm, Tama manages to lead a samurai warrior out of danger. The samurai, in turn, decides to make the temple his family’s place of honor. The days of hardship for the monk, temple, and cat are over. Told in first person by Tama, the story is rich with traditional Japanese symbolism. The page layouts are unusual and eye-catching, and the illustrations themselves are detailed and lovely. The only question concerning the pictures could be the depiction of the cat: in the text, the cat is described as being black and orange, but this is not reflected in the illustrations. At the end of the book is an “Author’s Note” explaining the origin of the story with a photograph of the recognizable cat. Children with a fondness for cats, legends, or Japanese culture will enjoy this enchanting tale of kindness, compassion, and, of course, luck. Reviewer: Leona Illig; Ages 4 to 6.
PreS-Gr 2—Evocative watercolor illustrations capture ancient Japan in this picture-book retelling of the lucky-cat legend. Cat Tama narrates how she came to live with a poor monk in his rundown temple and her habit of sitting with her right paw upheld in the traditional Japanese greeting, "Come to me." Food is scarce, but the monk and feline live contentedly. One spring day during a raging storm, the animal dashes out to the temple gate. There she meets a traveling warlord, and through her beckoning gesture saves his life and changes the temple's fortune. An author's note explains the origin of the story and includes photos of beckoning cat figurines and the temple where the legendary Tama lived. The story's tone is formal but not stilted, as when the cat says, "I smiled at him with my pale green eyes, for I was not hurt." The artist studied in Osaka and her traditional training comes through, blending formal composition with light comic touches, such as Tama mimicking the monk's lotus pose. The images alternate between full-page paintings and panels reminiscent of Japanese screen paintings. With its compelling story and stunning art, this is a worthy addition.—Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR
