Review Detail

Beautiful illustrations and lyrical prose tell the legend of the "maneki neko" or lucky cat of Japanese folklore.

Readers will love the adorable face of Tama, the lucky feline protagonist. While searching for food and shelter, Tama comes across a run-down shrine. The kind monk who lives there takes Tama in and cares for him, and they end up great friends. When Tama saves the life of a wandering samurai, the monk's luck also turns around and the shrine is blessed with the samurai's kindness and wealth.

This story of fate and luck is told with well-written, classical prose and incredibly detailed, vibrant illustrations. The colorful rural Japanese scenery really comes alive on the page. Readers will be entranced by the clever story and keep turning the page for more lovely paintings.

Highly recommended for libraries and schools, as well as young readers who love cats or are interested in foreign cultures.