I Am Tama, Lucky Cat: A Japanese Legend (edition 2011)

Beautifully illustrated retelling of the Japanese legend of Maneki Neko. ( )

This book contains richly detailed illustrations that accurately portray life in an ancient Japanese village and monastery. There is also an author's note at the end that explains the origins of the Tama cat legend. This book could be used in the classroom to spark a discussion about giving and the concept of "what goes around, comes around."

I Am Tama tells the ancient story of Tama the lucky cat. Tama was alone in the cold world when he came upon a monastery. Tama sat in the doorway and waited with his right pay upheld. He became the monk’s friend and companion. But the monastery was in disrepair. One night, there was a terrible rainstorm. Tama ran out into the night. A passing samurai warrior saw Tama and realized Tama was gesturing to him to come in. He did and just in time; a large limb from a cherry tree fell where the warrior had been. To thank the monastery, the warrior devoted himself to it.

“Each spring, when the cherry trees flower once again, I sit in the grand doorway of our beautiful temple and watch their blossoms dance to the ground. With my paw upheld, I proudly beckon to all who come to worship. I am Tama, Lucky Cat.” ( )

Have you ever wondered about the "Lucky Cat"? You know...that little kitty depicted in oh-so-many statues, figurines and other touristy type items when seeking something Japanese that is seemingly less traditional and more fun. Bet you thought that he was JUST a cute little cat? Guess again.

Maneki Neko, or the Beckoning Cat as is his formal name, stems from a Japanese legend of old where a lone monk staying in a less than idyllic temple (it had seen much better days) takes in this lonely furry soul offering the best of his meager belongings to another happy and content. The story continues on in a similar, unassuming tone showing us that if we do for others first and live to meet their needs over our own, good fortune will smile upon us and take care of the rest. A wonderful lesson if I do say so myself, but living it is much harder than it sounds....definitely something to strive for though, each and every day.

Let the learning continue! Did you know that the raised paw depicted on the Lucky Cat image isn't merely to make him seem irresistibly adorable? Nope. It's actually a traditional Japanese greeting meaning "Come to me!" (hence, one reason that the cat came upon the name he was given). Aside from learning more about this ancient legend, you get to experience the beauty of Japan through the work of the illustrator....and WOW is it amazing! I love how the scenery was created with a blurred edge, leaving the main characters of each scene in clear, sharp focus. The color palette simply begs the eyes to explore each image's rich beauty without detracting from the story being told.

In short, a wondrous story with beautiful images to spark the imagination of the young and the young at heart. It may have been created for younger readers, but I'll bet you anything that adults get just as much out of this read as the kiddos. Highly recommended by yours truly, ( )

I Am Tama, Lucky Cat is based on a Japanese legend and it reads like a fable. Tama arrives at a temple looking for food and shelter. What she finds is a poor monk willing to share the few things he has. Tama feels like a lucky cat for having found this master and his broken temple. They share everything and Tama helps by keeping their small food supply free from mice and warming her master with her fur coat. The monk feels blessed, having been found by a rare black and orange colored Japanese Bobcat.

During a storm, Tama inexplicably runs out of their beat up shelter. The place needed a major overhaul. The monk calls her back but Tama sits at the gate of the temple and washes her face. According to Japanese lore, a cat washing her face is foreshadowing the arrival of visitors. Soon, a samurai warrior, riding a white, steed arrives at the temple looking for shelter. Upon seeing the shape of the temple, the warrior decides to take shelter under one of the blooming cherry trees. Soon he sees Tama with her right paw up in her sign of welcome and the warrior leaves the tree to see her. As he gets to the temple gate, a lightning bolt hits the tree he had staken shelter under.

The warrior believes Tama to be a lucky cat; she saved his live and the life of his horse. Forever grateful the warrior fixes the temple bringing it back to its former glory. He makes sure the monk and Tama never want for another thing. The warrior also brings in new people to worship at the temple. Tama is truly a lucky cat for the warrior and for the monk and his temple.
The cat with its right paw held up is a common symbol in Japan. Many Japanese businesses will have such a cat figurine to beckon customers inside. The legend of the Beckoning Cat, called Maneki Neko in Japanese, is more than a legend. In Japan, there is a place called The Beckoning Cat Temple, which bears a gravestone and a shrine to the lucky cat. Also buried there is the warlord who was the real warrior in the story.

The illustrations have an oriental look and feel. The portrait of the lightning striking is magnificent. It looks more like a museum piece than an illustration for a children’s book. That page alone is worth getting the book. This is a well-written story from the cat’s point of view. It is a fast read and could easily become your child’s favorite nighttime story.

Note: received from netgalley, courtesy of the publisher ( )