Customer Reviews

The Beckoning Cat: Based on a Japanese Folktale

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This is a charming tale, charmingly told! The story of the "beckoning cat" is an old one in Japanese folk lore. Koko Nishizuka keeps the Japanese flavor of the piece, while communicating the universal lessons learned from generosity and open-heartedness. It's such a refreshing and appealing tale, especially for today's world, one that kids will love for the cat, of course, but one that adults can embrace for its simple but true morale of what goes around comes around, the rewards of sharing, for simply doing good. Rosanne Litzinger's illustrations are fresh and fun and winning. I look forward to more collaborations between Nishizuka and Litzinger!

When Yohei's father becomes ill, Yohei has to do the work of two, catching fish and selling them door to door. When his father's illness becomes more serious, Yohei cannot leave home to sell the fish. Then comes a tapping at the door, and Yohei takes pity on a bedraggled white cat, sharing his meal with her. Thus begins a series of wondrous events, reminding readers that no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

I was charmed by the story and how it was told. The voice is delicate and gentle, like the story itself. The illustrations are simple and elegant. This is a book youngsters will want to hear -- and later read -- again and again.

Nishikuza'a gentle tale will both open hearts and open minds. In this world of crumbling values, her story reminds us that good really does exist in the world. This book is a treasure for any child.

This exquisite tale, beautifully told and illustrated, will enrich the life of any youngster (and parents, too!) The rewards of kindness and compassion - - a universal theme - - are portrayed with great sensitivity and intelligence.

I'd love to see more work from this talented duo.

This book will be a welcome addition to any child's library. An old tale made new by Nishizuka's lyrical prose and Litzinger's delightful illustrations, The Beckoning Cat will have your youngsters delightedly pointing out the ubiquitous porcelain statues in Asian restaurants and shops with newfound respect for the rich culture they represent.

What a lovely story --so that explains the little cat at Asian restaurants, sitting by the cash register and waving its upturned paw. Best of all though, are the wonderful illustrations by Ms. Litzinger. Her use of bold shapes and beautifully selected color harmonies really make it a fun and lively page-turner (I've collected many of her other children's books, and I really love her work), and look closely at her use of line --she's a very special artist, no doubt about it.
Great job everyone, all around.

The Beckoning Cat, based on a Japanese folktale, relates the background behind the popular little good-luck cat figurines found in Japanese shops. Once upon a time, it seems, the hard-working son of a poor fisherman shared his meager supper with a wet, shivering, muddy white cat. When his father became ill, the boy was unable to take their fish to market, but the white cat found a way to save the family from destitution. The theme of kindness rewarded is familiar in the folklore of many cultures, but this retelling is particularly pleasing. The text, simple and smooth, incorporates authentic details of traditional Japanese culture: for example, a young woman laughs "lightly, covering her mouth with her kimono sleeve." Stylized illustrations combine transparent and opaque watercolors with colored pencil for a quietly sophisticated effect. The blending of text and art is ideal.

Wonderful story, artfully told and beautifully illustrated. The first day, my 8 year old read this book cover to cover three times. Book is hard bound with cover. An absolute bargain at this price.

I was so happy when I finally found a childrens story book about the beckoning cat. My daughter loves and collects Maneki Neko figurines, so finding this book was exciting. The illustrations are eye pleasing and the story is heartfelt.

I love this book. The writing just flows. The story of a young boy named Yoshei. Yoshei helps his father by selling fish. When his father becomes ill, Yoshei must sell the fish by himself, and also take care of his father. Yoshei will no longer be able to sell fish, and it will result in his not being able to buy his father medicine. One rainy night this dirty, matted white cat appears on Yoshei's doorstep. This cat will be the good luck symbol for Yoshei and his father. This book is beautifully written. The writing just flows. This book has also been nominated for Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award. I think ages 4-8 would enjoy this book. Actually, if you read this book aloud I think older children would it enjoy it also. Beautiful illustrations.