Rating: 
Summary: For all cat lovers
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Buddhist Lore on Kittycat Paws
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: One marvelous little book
Review: This is really a very excellent book for children, or for adults who still like a cup of tea and a good book. Get a kleexex, Ladies, I ended up using two. The story is well written, the illustrations are delightful and softly old fashioned. I have recommended this book not only top my freind who have children but at the bookstore I work at. Buy this book...or at least go to the local library and check it out. You won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: How a cat received the blessing of Buddha.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A book for the ages, for ALL ages!
Review: This simple little book (i.e. easy to read, but deep in meaning) is a gem among the many wonderful Newbery Medal winners. I intend to keep this copy for myself, and order additional ones for all the youngsters in my family. There are many lessons to be learned by those who read this lovely book, if only they will open their minds to more than the superficial meaning of the words. I especially enjoyed the Songs of the Housekeeper that separated the chapters!
Rating:
Summary: A good story with a moral
Review: This story is very old, but still has the same message, 70+ years later. It's a story of a 'starving artist' and his relationship with a cat. It touches on Buddahism (something I am not familiar with) or religion. It whisps around forgiveness, miracles and patience. It helps if you are a cat lover too. I read this story for the first time as an adult because I love short stories. It is written for a child between 9-13 but any age can enjoy this... actuallly I think you come to appreciate it more if you read it (again) when you are older from the previous reviews I see here. This book is highly recommended!!!
Rating:
Summary: A simple book of breathtaking beauty...
Review: This was my favourite book when I was a young child, and it has remained so ever since. A tale reaching across cultures and across ages, it is immensely tender, imaginative, and moving. This is one of the few books I can recommend with no caveat; read, delight, and save to savour again.
Rating:
Summary: A wonder of a book
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A Spiritual Cat
Review: What I liked about this book was that a cat named GoodFortune inspired people in many ways like being kind and respectful. Goodfortune changed the housekeeper's life and the poor painter. They were very lonely and admired GoodFortune's attitude. They said it was a very unusual behavior. Many cats act differently because they are special. I really liked this book because kids can learn how special cats are and how it can change their lives.
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