The Good Luck Cat

Joy Harjo - acclaimed Muskogee-Creek poet and musician, author of such collections as She Had Some Horses and In Mad Love and War - made her children's book debut with The Good Luck Cat, a delightful picture-book published in 2000. Narrated by a young Native American girl, it is the story of Woogie - a "Good Luck Cat" who survives many dangers, only to disappear one day. Has Woogie's good luck finally run out...?

Anyone who has ever loved a cat will recognize the narrator's genuine affection for Woogie, and identify with her grief when he disappears. Paul Lee's charming acrylic illustrations ably convey the many emotions evoked by the narrative, from the opening scene in which Woogie seems to be peeking out from some hidden spot, to the show more final joyful reunion. An enjoyable animal story, this is also that rarest of finds: a children's book featuring Native Americans living in the modern world, faced with the same problems and experiences we all encounter.

Although I enjoyed both Harjo's text and Lee's illustrations, readers should be aware that The Good Luck Cat is the story of an outdoor animal, and many of the dangers that Woogie faces in his life - fighting with other cats, nesting in a car engine, being chased by boys with BB-guns - might disturb more sensitive readers. I myself grew up with indoor/outdoor cats, and felt that this book accurately reflects the experiences of such animals and their human companions, but those with particularly strong views on the subject would be advised to proceed with caution. show less

Huge shout-out for Mvskoke OwnVoice showing modern suburban (?) Native people who still celebrate their heritage. Beautiful writing and paintings.

But I cannot enjoy or recommend a book about a cat that is clearly a menace to himself and others. There's even a mention of him killing birds. I love cats, but they are basically an invasive species and out to be sterilized and kept indoors.

I liked this book for several different reasons. First I liked the author’s use of imagery to describe the cat, saying she “purrs as if she has a drum near her heart“ or “ looked like a soggy washrag” Another thing I enjoyed about this book was how the writing was structured. The majority of the book goes in sequence as to how this cat lost the first eight of its nine lives. This story structure made it easy to understand the flow of the passage so every time we turned the page we would figure out how the cat lost it’s nth life. My favorite part of the book however is the use of illustrations. They are drawn with such wonderful detail that they look like they are photographs, which can very easily grab a young readers show more attention.
In my opinion, the message of the book is that cats, and even people, can surprise you in their resilience. Just as the cat was able to go beyond her nine lives, we as people can do the same and surprise others. show less

A young girl tells about her cat that, if you pet it, brings you good luck. But she worries whether or not Woogie can bring good luck to Woogie. The girl enumerates the loss of Woogie's eight of nine lives, that happened in a too short time. But will Woogie's luck help her with a ninth loss?

This is a book about about the relationship between a young girl and her cat . It is believed that some cats are good luck, when you pet them, good things happen. Woogie is one of those cats. But as Woogie gets into one mishap after another, everyone starts to worry. Can a good luck cat's good luck run out?

Celebrates the special •A modern Native American story from a member of the Muskogee-Creek tribe

Renowned poet and Muskogee-Creek nation member Joy Harjo tells this simple tale of a cat’s many lives and mystical possibilities. That the Native American culture of the protagonist is only the focus in passing makes this a valuable tool in teaching children of any culture that an American Indian child may live very much like other American children, yet celebrate different customs.

Summary
The book Good Luck Cat is about a cat who has used up all of his lives but one left. One day he goes missing and the family searches everywhere for him and hopes that his ninth life hasn’t been used. That their cat is still lucky.
Personal reaction
When I read this book it hit home, because I am Native American and also enrolled in Creek Tribe and I also happen to LOVE cats. They are considered good luck animals and I love having them around. This book is amazing on depicting Native Americans and their cats.

Classroom Extensions
• Ask my class if they have had owned a cat or knows someone that does and if they believe that cats are good luck in their family, why or why not.
• I will have cut outlines of cats that will show more serve as their lucky cat and have them give the cat a back story and come to life. I want the students to draw, color or decorate their lucky cat. show less