Skip to main content

The Cat Who Went to Heaven


 The Cat Who Went to Heaven

By Elizabeth Coatsworth

Overview: This a story about a poor Artist who lived in Japan with his housekeeper. One day, when the housekeeper came back from the market, she did not bring food as usual, but a white cat. She had spots on her back, yellow eyes, and a stub for a tail. They named her "Good Fortune." After a couple of days of owning the cat, the high priest from their temple came to the Artist's house and commissioned him to paint a picture of Buddha's death. The Artist agreed and the priest left. The Artist spent the next three days imagining what Buddha's life must have been like and on the last day, he drew him. 

In the days that followed after that, the Artist imagined all of the different animals that Buddha's spirit had been in, according to the many stories he had heard, and he drew one after another. With each animal drawn, Good Fortune would look at the painting and seem pleased with it. However, she became more and more upset when she realized that she wouldn't be able to be drawn because, according to the stories, cats had rejected Buddha and his wisdom and were therefore not allowed into heaven. But in the end, the Artist drew a cat in the painting and Good Fortune was so overjoyed that she died. The painting was taken to the temple to be demolished for the heresy that it portrayed of cats going to heaven, but then something miraculous occurred. The painting changed and it was clear to all that Buddha was forgiving and compassionate and allowed Good Fortune passage to heaven.

This book is interesting as it submerges the reader in the Buddhist religion in Japan. It is a novel, but a 3rd-5th grader could read it easily as the chapters are of normal length and the writing is extremely repetitive. The stories of compassion and sacrifice in the book are very moving and would be a neat challenge for students to relate to.

Awards: The Newbery Medal


-The Green Eyed Reader

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The War That Saved My Life

The War that Saved My Life  By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley  Summary:  This story follows the lives of a young brother and sister duo, Ada and Jamie Smith, during World War II. These siblings have grown up in the same house with their mother, who they call Mam, but with two very different lives. Jamie, a 7 year-old, is the youngest, and for the most part, has a normal life that includes going to school and playing with his friends around the block. Ada, on the other hand, who is 11 years-old, lives the life of a crippled and abused shut-in. This is in thanks to her Mam, who is embarrassed by the fact that she had a daughter with a club foot. Because of her foot, Ada cannot walk correctly and is not allowed to go outside of their London flat. However, that all changes when the Germans invade and their city is predicted to be bombed. For Ada and Jamie's safety, not only from the bombs, but also from Mam, they runaway with Jamie's local school to the countr...
Post a Comment
Read more

Where The Sidewalk Ends

Where the Sidewalk Ends By Shel Silverstein Summary:  In the collection, there are more than 60 of Shel Silverstein's poems and illustrations. Some of my favorite poems in this treasury are "Sick," "Jumping Rope," and "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take The Garbage Out." These poems were some of my very favorites growing up. With Shel's clever word choice and small illustrations for most of the poems, children will love reading all of the different selections. Review:  This was probably my favorite collection of poems growing up. I love how the poems are different lengths and are made more attractive with interesting sketches for many of the poems. I would probably recommend this book for 4th through 7th graders. There is definitely something for everyone in this book and would make for a great in-class read aloud. To get your own copy:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-the-sidewalk-ends-shel-silverstein/1100831320#/  ...
Post a Comment
Read more

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie By Laura Joffe Numeroff & Illustrated by Felicia Bond Summary: This is the tale of a boy who had a mouse as a friend and the boy gave him a cookie. Of course the mouse wanted milk to go along with the cookie, so he asked for some of that too. When the boy gives the mouse the milk, he wants a straw as well, and then a napkin to clean himself up with. Over and over again the boy will meet the mouse's need, but then it turns into another and then another! The story comes full circle after a hair cut, a nap, and other shenanigans when the mouse is tired from all of his activities and asks for a glass of milk. Because when he asks for a glass of milk, most likely, he will want a cookie to go with it! Review:  This story is a cycle and is one that is endearing to all ages. With the illustrations and easy vocabulary, it is great for read aloud or individual student readings.  would recommend this to K-1st grade students because there are a ...
Post a Comment
Read more