Customer Reviews

The Cat Who Went to Heaven

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This short tale, which won the 1931 Newbery Medal for best contribution to American children's literature, is about a poor artist in Japan who is commissioned to paint a picture of Buddha's death. The story teaches children a little about Buddhism and about the concept of reincarnation. The artist paints pictures of the animals coming to be blessed by Buddha. But, legend said that cats never came. The artist's cat, Good Fortune, wishes to be included in the painting. Finally, the artist relents and Good Fortune dies from joy. But the priests now no longer want the painting since it doesn't agree with legend. The next day, however, they change their minds when a "miracle" occurs. Coatsworth was well-known for her children's stories and this short story is one of the classics of children literature.

This is a darling, quick read--timeless in its appeal to cat lovers! The Western literary world was "discovering" the Orient in the 1930's, so this story is set in Japan, where Buddhism flourishes. A poor painter with an artistic soul invites a calico cat, whose coloring is considered lucky, to join his threadbare household. Can a cat really pray to a statue? And get results? However it happens, the artist receives a commission from the high priest to paint a horizontal silk mural for the temple, which would result in instant recognition and the end of his poverty.

After each short chapter the housekeeper gives a little poem summarizing the action. I just wish they were in Haiku format, to reenforce the Japanese flavor.
During the artist's exhaustive mental preparation, we learn many
details about the life of Buddha (but gently, not in a preachy style), as the artist ponders which animals he will include in his mural. Good Fortune is his silent partner in the creation process, but she seems sad that he refuses to include a cat. Does the artist dare risk professional failure by acknowledging his debt to this dainty feline? Will she reallly go to Heaven? I wish I had discovered this gem decades earlier! A delightful story for readers of all ages.

I read this book as a child and am ever so glad that my own children can enjoy it. As a cat lover I greatly appreciate the beatiful and award-winning illustrations. However, the story itself is incredibly moving. I believe the lesson I learned as a child is that animals are very important to our lives and our stewardship of them is a grave responsibility. The artist's relationship with Good Fortune changed his heart and, consequently, his life. The intolerant priest learned to forgive.

This book has been a favorite of my family mambers since it was first published in 1930 (My mother received it for her 10th birthday). The book is an excellent primer on Buddhism, and is entertaining and inspirational.Mercy is the message presented throughout the book, and this message is complemented by the message that true goodness comes from within our hearts,not from "leaders" mandating rigid belief systems. The story is that of a little cat who helps an poor artist to achieve greatness (in his craft and in his spirit) through compassion and self-sacrifice. My siblings and I grew up with this book. I read this book (it is only about 70 pages)to my mother the night before she died, and I re-read it tonight, on the eve of my 50th birthday. Although technically a "children's book" (and a Newberry Winner), it is a book that grows with you and, in many ways, is even more meaningful when you read it as an adult.

Some of the books of childhood haunt the remainder of our lives. I have just uncovered this powerful memory through internet magic, and now I am so excited to share the book with my loved ones. "The Cat Who Went to Heaven" is one of the most beautiful and touching works of literary and visual art ever created. Even when the author and title were lost to me, my memory of the story and illustrations was so strong. All I had to do was remember the little cat and the artist who loved him, and tears would come. This is a story of unsurpassed beauty and sensitivity. You will remember it for all your life.

This was my favourite children's book (well, in a dead heat with Lewis Carroll's works) when I was a child, and it remains so to this day. It is sensitive, lyrical, and captivating. I've given it to many friends, of many ages and many cultures, and all of them have liked it. It is one book I can commend without reservation: a rare and true delight.

My mother read this book to me when I was very little, one chapter every evening. On the night of the last chapter, she was busy (or so she said) and had my father read me the conclusion. My unsuspecting father came in, sat on the side of my bed, and read the end of a totally unknown book... and soon had his small daughter crying all over his shirt! (A fact he's never let my mother forget.)

That said, I remember it as an excellent book, touching and open-minded and beautiful, promoting the idea of respect for all living things. I highly recommend it.

I first read this book in elementary school, wrote a paper on it in college and continue to think about it as an adult. It truly has the mark of inspired work. I love how it crosses cultures and gets to the heart of what it is to be a living being in our world. As some of the other reviews may show, not all children will connect with the message here. It can't be forced, but if it does happen, they will have something wonderful to carry with them through life.

"The Cat Who Went To Heaven" is one of my favorite book. This is more to the story of painter and his good fortune. The story is about little cat that helps a poor artist to achieve greatness. I like this book very much because there sre beautiful and sweet poems in every chapter. The poems tell the reader the character's feelings, emotions, and details about the evens in the story. The book is only 70 pages and there are nice illastrations. I would like to recommend everyone read this story. This book not only give you joy but there are meaningful messages in this story that everyone should know.

I must have read this book when I was less than 10 and I remembered it immediatly as I browsed the children's cat books.
My heart leapt with joy. This book was great. I remember I was so happy at the end. The message is, "Don't trust your preconcieved notions", which is a concept children can't start to understand early enough. The story is sweet and the cat is good and brave. Get this book. I guaruntee satisfaction.