Talk:The Cat Who Went to Heaven

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Brief Synopsis of the book[edit]

This book is one of three which I still cherish as my favorite books from childhood. It's a beautiful story about a poor family in ancient Japan, consisting of an artist and his housekeeper. Though the family is poor and can barely afford to eat, they take in a small cat out of pity and kindness. The cat is a calico, contrary to what some sites (and even the back of the book!) say. In the story, she is described as mostly white with yellow eyes, yellow and black spots on her sides, and a little tail like a rabbit's. Because tri-colored cats are held to be lucky in Japanese folklore, they decide to name her "Good Fortune."

The tale follows the structure of the "story within the story." When the poor artist is offered an amazing opportunity to make his fortune by painting a scene for the local Buddhist temple, the process of creating this painting is told in a series of delightful tales from Buddhist and Japanese folklore involving the many species of animals who are to be depicted in the painting. Through reflecting on these traditional tales, the artist attempts to come into contact with the essence of each animal, then he paints them. Throughout the process of the painting's creation, however, a conflict emerges for the artist because he wants to please his beloved cat by including her in the painting- but he knows that the cat is not an honored animal in Buddhist folklore and to include her would surely mean the loss of the temple's commission.

- - Spoiler Warning***

It is charming to see the bond between the artist and the little feline growing throughout the book- and eventually, he cannot continue to deny her a place in his painting. He finally paints her in, a tiny cat at the rear of the image, and then brings her into the room to see. Good Fortune is filled with joy and gratitude, and then dies from sheer happiness.

The priests of the temple come by to view the painting, and on seeing the image of the cat decide that the painting is blasphemous and should be burned. It is taken away to their temple, and the artist's dreams of salvation from his life of utter poverty are crushed. However, early the next morning a miracle occurs, and the painter is called from his bed to see what has happened. The little figure of the cat, painted at the back of the crowd of animals, has moved to the front. She is sitting before the Buddha, who has reached out his hand to bless her.

This story covers many important lessons for children. There is love and the strength which that love can bring even when food is scarce. There is the importance of charity and good deeds. There are many different types of animals covered within the story, so you and your child may learn about the human-animal bond as well as a bit of Japanese culture and/or Buddhist folklore, and there is forgiveness as well as the fact that it is never too late- that someone with a good heart can achieve their dream even when everyone else says they can't.

No minister, no church[edit]

No where in this book is there mention of a "minister" or a "church". This story takes place in Japan and it involved Buddhist monks and their abbot and a Buddhist Temple. The entry on this beloved Newbury Award winning tale is disgraceful! Buddmar 05:35, 31 March 2007 (UTC)buddmar[reply]

Brilliant Makeover[edit]

I am so gratified the synopsis of this classic children's tale was completely revised! Now we have an accurate, thoughtful and satisfying examination of this book which won the Newbery Childrens Book Award! Buddmar (talk) 23:53, 3 March 2008 (UTC)buddmar[reply]