Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth (1893–1986)

Originally published in 1930, Elizabeth Coatsworth's The Cat Who Went to Heaven was the Newbery Medal winner in 1931, and relates the story of a poor Japanese artist, his devoted housekeeper, and the gentle cat that comes into their lives. Angry at first, when his housekeeper brings home a little white kitten, rather than the dinner he had been expecting, the artist is reconciled to his new pet - soon named "Good Fortune" - by her quiet good manners, and by her obvious devotion to him, to show more the housekeeper, and to the Buddha. When the village priest commissions a painting of the Buddha for the temple, the artist immerses himself in the life of his subject, "living" the Enlightened One's life, and becoming each animal that visited him upon his deathbed. But although Good Fortune keeps faithful watch with him, as he begins his great work, and obviously longs to be included, the artist can not include her in the painting. After all, the cat was the only animal to refuse the Buddha's teaching, and the only animal not blessed by him...

This brief chapter-book (sixty-three pages, in my edition), which alternates between the main prose narrative, and short poems ostensibly written by the housekeeper, has the feeling of folklore to it. The author references the classic Japanese tale of The Boy Who Drew Cats in her text, as well as many different stories about the life of the Buddha, and his reincarnated lives in various animal forms. I found myself wondering how accurate Coatsworth's depiction was of some of these traditions, particularly as it related to Buddhist beliefs about cats. Are they really considered the only animal that is barred from heaven? Did the Japanese truly regard them as demonic? What about the lucky Beckoning Cat? Leaving this issue aside, I found the story itself very engaging, and I think young readers who enjoy animal stories will as well.

There is an incredibly poignant quality to this story, and while Good Fortune's death from pure joy, when the artist relents, and includes her in the painting, sets up the concluding miracle very well - from a storytelling perspective, happy endings often work best when they follow upon terrible tragedy - this aspect of the tale is still troubling. Troubling in a good way... a haunting way. I am reminded of Tomi DePaola's The Clown of God, which was a childhood favorite of mine, and which also tells the story of a miracle. A miracle that, like this one, requires a joyful sacrifice. Perhaps all miracles do? Something I'll have to think about... show less

A poor artist's housekeeper comes home one day with a little cat. Against his better judgment, the artist keeps her, calling her "Good Fortune". When he is chosen to paint a scroll of the death of Buddha for the temple, Good Fortune sits with him as he paints all the animals who were blessed by Buddha, finding the Buddha-nature in each, (though she doesn't think much of the dog). But the artist cannot include a cat in his painting, because cats, being independent creatures, had refused show more homage to Buddha. Nevertheless, in the end, he risks it, and a miracle occurs.

I don't mind saying I cried at the end of this book. show less

Interesting story of a sheepdog who finds himself abandoned with his flock on the island where he has lived his whole life. The tale is worthy of a read, but probably not for younger children who might find the cruelty of the situation disturbing.

This is an interesting book with some positives and negatives. It felt special when I began reading it.

Like a window into the privacies of childhood rambling.

I enjoyed that.

Dave has a conscience. This is good.

The hermit reads and rereads the Bible and Shakespeare and says that is all he needs.

He is a friend to all animals (except two)

The hermit asks Dave to keep his presence a secret. It is not good for an adult to ask children to keep secrets.

On page 53 the hermit mentions scalping but show more is not discriptive.

Pg 54 mentions killing (this did not happen but is mentioned)

I think if you look at this book as solitary people and animals wanting companionship on their own terms you will find this book as beautiful as I did.

Certainly I’m not crying over an old storybook cat.

Certainly not.

rating- 4/5 naps in a sunny window. show less