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The Cat Who Went to Heaven
A little cat and a compassionate Japanese artist bring about a miracle.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1930
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About the author
Elizabeth Coatsworth
176 books46 followersElizabeth Jane Coatsworth was best known as the author of Away Goes Sally, The Cat Who Went to Heaven, which won the 1931 Newbery Medal, and the four Incredible Tales, but in fact she wrote more than 90 books for children. She was extremely interested in the world around her, particularly the people of Maine, as well as the houses and the surrounding land. She also loved the history and myths of her favorite places, those near her home and those encountered on her countless travels.
Coatsworth graduated from Vassar College in 1915 and received a Master of Arts from Columbia University in 1916. In 1929, she married writer Henry Beston, with whom she had two children. When she was in her thirties, her first books of adult poetry were published. For over fifty years, she continued to write and publish poetry in collections and to weave poems between the chapters of her books of fiction.
Coatsworth graduated from Vassar College in 1915 and received a Master of Arts from Columbia University in 1916. In 1929, she married writer Henry Beston, with whom she had two children. When she was in her thirties, her first books of adult poetry were published. For over fifty years, she continued to write and publish poetry in collections and to weave poems between the chapters of her books of fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 711 reviews
March 25, 2016
This delightful little fable has a compilation of several meaningful animal stories within its pages with the cream of the crop saved for Good Fortune the cat.
First published in 1930 and winner of the 1931 Newbery Medal, this wonderful little classic brings together an intelligent and loving white cat (with spots) an impoverished Japanese artist, his sweet little housekeeper and a compassionate Buddha for a surprising miracle of an ending. (no spoiler here)
Sad and touching cat tale...... and you may shed a tear.
June 21, 2011
A struggling Japanese artist, so poor he can hardly expect a good meal each day, is frustrated and annoyed when his housekeeper brings, not the food he had longed for, but a cat home from the market one day. Although the cat, with her regal bearing, sweet disposition and adorable tri-colored coat and short-tail, subtly charms the artist, he is more appalled than pleased to have her in his midst, considering her (like all cats) a "goblin" and a “devil” because long ago the cat did not pledge her loyalty to Lord Buddha as the other animals so was denied his blessing. What a conundrum, then, when the artist is commissioned by the village’s head priest to paint the death of Buddha (for a hefty sum) for the temple, For, though the housekeeper names the cat Good Fortune, an outcast cat overseeing the painting of such a revered scene at first seems anything but to the young artist. Yet, as Good Fortune seems to devoted to the Buddha (often sitting by his statue, and so attendant to the painting-in-progress) the young artist begins to question his initial impressions of her.
This sets up the bulk of the “storyline” for this slim novel. The majority of the book involves the artist meditating on what it must have been to live the life of the Buddha, and to be each of the special animals that attended him at his deathbed and whom the Buddha had been in previous incarnations, so that he can paint them with the most sensitivity. He paints snails, elephants, deer, dogs, apes and even tigers— but when sweet Good Fortune becomes such a part of the artists’ life and painting experience, it becomes increasingly difficult for him to leave the cat out of his painting.
The book started a little slow for me, but as I seeped in it (it did help reading it all in one sitting) I began to feel and appreciate its subtle power and the gentle way it worked its lesson. Since I have studied a fair bit about Asian cultures and religion, I was familiar with the story of the Buddha and admired how much Coatsworth conveyed with such economy of words. I was not as familiar with each of the animals’ stories, though I did know the story of the Banyan deer from A Treasury of Wise Action: Jataka Tales of Compassion and Wisdom. I loved the ending—it was absolutely beautiful and though it was definitely a big “moral of the story” I felt it had been so exquisitely wrapped up in the telling and purpose of the whole tale that it fit without being obnoxious or overbearing.
Much as I enjoyed and appreciated the story, I admit that I am a bit perplexed as to what wider audiences this might appeal to. Although it is a children’s book, I’m not sure how many children would have the patience for or interest in the various little stories and some very young (and sensitive) readers might not fully understand the message and thus be very upset about the fate of the cat.
Still, I’m very glad I read this with the Newbery Club in the Chilren’s Book Group here on GoodReads. This book won the Newbery Award in 1930 and I’m glad that it is still available today. The edition I got from the library received new illustrations (in 2008) by Raoul Vitale and, while I would have loved to see the originals, I really enjoyed his work and though he did an especially wonderful job illustrating Good Fortune. (I think she is a Manx; or, at least, reminded me a great deal of one of the sweet-tempered and handsome Manx cats at the cat sanctuary where I volunteer.)
This sets up the bulk of the “storyline” for this slim novel. The majority of the book involves the artist meditating on what it must have been to live the life of the Buddha, and to be each of the special animals that attended him at his deathbed and whom the Buddha had been in previous incarnations, so that he can paint them with the most sensitivity. He paints snails, elephants, deer, dogs, apes and even tigers— but when sweet Good Fortune becomes such a part of the artists’ life and painting experience, it becomes increasingly difficult for him to leave the cat out of his painting.
The book started a little slow for me, but as I seeped in it (it did help reading it all in one sitting) I began to feel and appreciate its subtle power and the gentle way it worked its lesson. Since I have studied a fair bit about Asian cultures and religion, I was familiar with the story of the Buddha and admired how much Coatsworth conveyed with such economy of words. I was not as familiar with each of the animals’ stories, though I did know the story of the Banyan deer from A Treasury of Wise Action: Jataka Tales of Compassion and Wisdom. I loved the ending—it was absolutely beautiful and though it was definitely a big “moral of the story” I felt it had been so exquisitely wrapped up in the telling and purpose of the whole tale that it fit without being obnoxious or overbearing.
Much as I enjoyed and appreciated the story, I admit that I am a bit perplexed as to what wider audiences this might appeal to. Although it is a children’s book, I’m not sure how many children would have the patience for or interest in the various little stories and some very young (and sensitive) readers might not fully understand the message and thus be very upset about the fate of the cat.
Still, I’m very glad I read this with the Newbery Club in the Chilren’s Book Group here on GoodReads. This book won the Newbery Award in 1930 and I’m glad that it is still available today. The edition I got from the library received new illustrations (in 2008) by Raoul Vitale and, while I would have loved to see the originals, I really enjoyed his work and though he did an especially wonderful job illustrating Good Fortune. (I think she is a Manx; or, at least, reminded me a great deal of one of the sweet-tempered and handsome Manx cats at the cat sanctuary where I volunteer.)
March 17, 2016
Elizabeth Coatsworth wrote poetry and novels, but she was best known for her children's books. Her second one was "The Cat Who Went to Heaven", which won the 1931 Newbery Medal for distinguished contribution to children's literature.
It's the story of a poor Japanese artist and a very wise cat named "Good Fortune". It is set in ancient Japan and tells the history of the Buddha through a painting the artist is doing. It's a great story set with good moral examples, but maybe a little old fashioned for the technology minded children of the 21st century.
It's the story of a poor Japanese artist and a very wise cat named "Good Fortune". It is set in ancient Japan and tells the history of the Buddha through a painting the artist is doing. It's a great story set with good moral examples, but maybe a little old fashioned for the technology minded children of the 21st century.
March 26, 2024
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“Good Fortune came out unexpectedly from the artist's shadow (she had entered so quietly he had never noticed) and looked long at the picture.
"Miaou," she said, sadly turning to the artist. "Is there no room for me among the other animals, master?" she seemed to ask.”
When we were assigned The Cat Who Went to Heaven for 4th Grade English, I remember so very clearly my reluctance to read it, expressing with a firm resolve to our class teacher that it was boring. Yes, me, the avid bookworm said that. 😞 Not so easily swayed by my declaration, Mr.Y simply pointed his red grading pen at me, and gently chided me to read the book, otherwise I would not be prepared for the comprehension test we were going to be having soon. 😟
I don't think nine-year-old me still liked it or understood it better even after that fair warning. 😅
Twenty-seven years later, in keeping up with my tradition of reading the Newbery Medal winners, I re-read it.
Horn Book, one of the most distinguished magazines in the field of children's and young adult literature praises it as 'one of the thirty twentieth-century books that every adult should know.' I find that an interesting choice of words - how adults should be the ones to read this more than children; which certainly makes me feel a lot better for not being a fan of it when I was younger! 😆
Since it was first published in 1930, it is the timeless fable of how a little cat's arrival in a poor Japanese artist's home brings him good fortune when the village head's priest commissions him to make an exalted painting of the Buddha. The artist decides to paint the divine moment that captured the final moments of the exalted one, when all living creatures - humans and animals came to pay their respects and receive his blessings - except for the haughty and self-centered cat, who, according to legend, refused to accept his teachings and pay him homage. 😥
“Ah, the cat refused homage to Buddha," he remembered, "and so by her own independent act, only the cat has the doors of Paradise closed in her face.”
It is with a heavy heart that Good Fortune (yes, that is the name of the cat) woefully watches the artist breathe life into the animals in his beautiful painting - silently praising him for his wondrous talents and softly beseeching that is it not possible for the cat to be included amongst them? The housekeeper who brought this little spotted cat home, is helpless to soothe his heart, for how can she oppose the wishes of her master? Even when they observe how she 'often spent hours with lowered head before the image of the Buddha', almost as if she is praying to the Enlightened One'.
But, can the artist defy what is expected of him, knowing that by doing so it would anger the priest and have his work rejected and destroyed? After all these years of destitution and hunger, he could finally earn enough to quench the thirst of his heart, why risk jeopardizing his career to grant a minimal happiness to a little cat? 😟😟 Would you allow compassion for a voiceless creature to sway your heart - knowing, in your heart, that it is, perhaps because of their fortuitous arrival in your household and favorable warm wishes - fortune and blessings adorned your path?
“The scroll of silk seemed scarcely large enough to hold all those varied lives, all that gathering of devotion about the welling-up of love.”
It is a quick read, with each short chapter dedicated to the artist imagining the animals' relationship with thee Buddha - Prince Siddhartha, and how through their respective interactions captured the essence of man's virtuous nature. It is these lessons of life that one should follow to live an enriched life of humility and devotion. And with each animal that adorned his marvelous work of art, the cat's forlorn heartbreaking sorrow of being excluded continues to weigh heavily on the artist's heart, until he finally decides what he believes is the right thing to do - 'he did not regret what he had done - for so many days had he lived in the thought of love and the examples of sacrifice'. 🥺
The moral of the story is one that we should all learn from, once the tears in my eyes had dried up. Who are we to judge for past discretions - when it was not done unto us? What harm could it be to grant a small animal a slight chance of happiness to see them receive the benevolence of that unto which they have shown only respect. 🤍🤍 It is the miracle of kindness and acceptance that makes a believer out of those who witness one small cat's quiet plea to be seen and forgiven for a transgression not of their own doing - a merciful act of love, one of which only the Enlightened One could make his followers believe in again. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
Was it a more enjoyable read - all these years later? Well, I definitely understood it a lot better. 😔 As a cat lover, my heart wept for that poor little cat, each time those eyes silently praised and beseeched for a chance to be remembered - to be included. It reminded me of how in the story behind the origin of the Chinese zodiac, even there the cat was excluded - not worthy, not fit for belonging - when all he ever wanted was to belong. For its conclusion shows that there is no doubt that The Cat Who Went to Heaven would have her place to shine and belong among the blessed ones. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“Good Fortune came out unexpectedly from the artist's shadow (she had entered so quietly he had never noticed) and looked long at the picture.
"Miaou," she said, sadly turning to the artist. "Is there no room for me among the other animals, master?" she seemed to ask.”
When we were assigned The Cat Who Went to Heaven for 4th Grade English, I remember so very clearly my reluctance to read it, expressing with a firm resolve to our class teacher that it was boring. Yes, me, the avid bookworm said that. 😞 Not so easily swayed by my declaration, Mr.Y simply pointed his red grading pen at me, and gently chided me to read the book, otherwise I would not be prepared for the comprehension test we were going to be having soon. 😟
I don't think nine-year-old me still liked it or understood it better even after that fair warning. 😅
Twenty-seven years later, in keeping up with my tradition of reading the Newbery Medal winners, I re-read it.
Horn Book, one of the most distinguished magazines in the field of children's and young adult literature praises it as 'one of the thirty twentieth-century books that every adult should know.' I find that an interesting choice of words - how adults should be the ones to read this more than children; which certainly makes me feel a lot better for not being a fan of it when I was younger! 😆
Since it was first published in 1930, it is the timeless fable of how a little cat's arrival in a poor Japanese artist's home brings him good fortune when the village head's priest commissions him to make an exalted painting of the Buddha. The artist decides to paint the divine moment that captured the final moments of the exalted one, when all living creatures - humans and animals came to pay their respects and receive his blessings - except for the haughty and self-centered cat, who, according to legend, refused to accept his teachings and pay him homage. 😥
“Ah, the cat refused homage to Buddha," he remembered, "and so by her own independent act, only the cat has the doors of Paradise closed in her face.”
It is with a heavy heart that Good Fortune (yes, that is the name of the cat) woefully watches the artist breathe life into the animals in his beautiful painting - silently praising him for his wondrous talents and softly beseeching that is it not possible for the cat to be included amongst them? The housekeeper who brought this little spotted cat home, is helpless to soothe his heart, for how can she oppose the wishes of her master? Even when they observe how she 'often spent hours with lowered head before the image of the Buddha', almost as if she is praying to the Enlightened One'.
But, can the artist defy what is expected of him, knowing that by doing so it would anger the priest and have his work rejected and destroyed? After all these years of destitution and hunger, he could finally earn enough to quench the thirst of his heart, why risk jeopardizing his career to grant a minimal happiness to a little cat? 😟😟 Would you allow compassion for a voiceless creature to sway your heart - knowing, in your heart, that it is, perhaps because of their fortuitous arrival in your household and favorable warm wishes - fortune and blessings adorned your path?
“The scroll of silk seemed scarcely large enough to hold all those varied lives, all that gathering of devotion about the welling-up of love.”
It is a quick read, with each short chapter dedicated to the artist imagining the animals' relationship with thee Buddha - Prince Siddhartha, and how through their respective interactions captured the essence of man's virtuous nature. It is these lessons of life that one should follow to live an enriched life of humility and devotion. And with each animal that adorned his marvelous work of art, the cat's forlorn heartbreaking sorrow of being excluded continues to weigh heavily on the artist's heart, until he finally decides what he believes is the right thing to do - 'he did not regret what he had done - for so many days had he lived in the thought of love and the examples of sacrifice'. 🥺
The moral of the story is one that we should all learn from, once the tears in my eyes had dried up. Who are we to judge for past discretions - when it was not done unto us? What harm could it be to grant a small animal a slight chance of happiness to see them receive the benevolence of that unto which they have shown only respect. 🤍🤍 It is the miracle of kindness and acceptance that makes a believer out of those who witness one small cat's quiet plea to be seen and forgiven for a transgression not of their own doing - a merciful act of love, one of which only the Enlightened One could make his followers believe in again. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
Was it a more enjoyable read - all these years later? Well, I definitely understood it a lot better. 😔 As a cat lover, my heart wept for that poor little cat, each time those eyes silently praised and beseeched for a chance to be remembered - to be included. It reminded me of how in the story behind the origin of the Chinese zodiac, even there the cat was excluded - not worthy, not fit for belonging - when all he ever wanted was to belong. For its conclusion shows that there is no doubt that The Cat Who Went to Heaven would have her place to shine and belong among the blessed ones. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
April 9, 2021
I shouldn't have read this.
😭
😭
July 9, 2025
Who knew that calico (three-colored) cats were lucky (I prefer to think of them as 'blessed')? We have two, one skinny and one chubby (er, some might say she is a little beyond that now 😁) and they have certainly blessed our home!
In this charming little tale, the housekeeper of a poor artist goes to market to get some food and instead brings home a calico cat. She tries to convince the artist of the rightness of her decision but until the head priest from the temple shows up with a commission for a painting he withholds full consent, though Good Fortune, the cat, shows day by day what a good and wise companion she is for both old people.
To say more would be to give the story away, but I fell in love with Good Fortune and recognized in her, the personality and understanding I have observed in many cats who come to know their masters and mistresses. They are our silent observers over the course of many days, weeks, months and years and they often know us better than we know ourselves.
If our pets do not go to Heaven, then they certainly deserve to, for putting up with us! This is a sweet story from the Buddhist tradition. Christians do not need to be afraid of it just because it represents a different world view from our own. Cats and people, artists and housekeepers are much the same the world over.
The little poems from each chapter are worth the read alone, as well as the artist's mini-stories about the animals. So many admirable aspects to this book. Worth many re-readings!
In this charming little tale, the housekeeper of a poor artist goes to market to get some food and instead brings home a calico cat. She tries to convince the artist of the rightness of her decision but until the head priest from the temple shows up with a commission for a painting he withholds full consent, though Good Fortune, the cat, shows day by day what a good and wise companion she is for both old people.
To say more would be to give the story away, but I fell in love with Good Fortune and recognized in her, the personality and understanding I have observed in many cats who come to know their masters and mistresses. They are our silent observers over the course of many days, weeks, months and years and they often know us better than we know ourselves.
If our pets do not go to Heaven, then they certainly deserve to, for putting up with us! This is a sweet story from the Buddhist tradition. Christians do not need to be afraid of it just because it represents a different world view from our own. Cats and people, artists and housekeepers are much the same the world over.
The little poems from each chapter are worth the read alone, as well as the artist's mini-stories about the animals. So many admirable aspects to this book. Worth many re-readings!
February 18, 2018
เราอ่านหนังสือเล่มนี้อย่างไม่คาดหวังเท่าไรนัก
(เพราะครั้งแรกคาดหวังกันมันสูงมาก และกลายเป็นรู้สึกเฉยๆ ในตอนจบ)
ปรากฏว่าในครั้งนี้ ตอนจบของเรื่องสร้างความซาบซึ้งและประทับใจให้เรามาก
ชอบมากกว่าการอ่านครั้งแรกค่ะ
(เพราะครั้งแรกคาดหวังกันมันสูงมาก และกลายเป็นรู้สึกเฉยๆ ในตอนจบ)
ปรากฏว่าในครั้งนี้ ตอนจบของเรื่องสร้างความซาบซึ้งและประทับใจให้เรามาก
ชอบมากกว่าการอ่านครั้งแรกค่ะ
September 20, 2022
Not very interesting. Abrupt ending. Left me wondering why it won a Newbery.
October 22, 2019
This was shaping up to be a really charming story - struggling artist wins a chance to paint a picture of the Buddha for the temple, which could propel him into stardom and alleviate his suffering. He takes the opportunity to meditate on the life of the Buddha and the various animals he had taken the form of, and decides to paint each animal visiting on his deathbed. I enjoyed the meditations on each animal form, how Buddha used each one to illustrate a philosophy. His little cat, Good Fortune, watches him paint and seems to him to be asking to be included in the painting.
And then, then end. I really hated the ending: I MEAN REALLY HATED IT. In fact, I'm dropping a star now that I'm thinking about it again.
I have decided to try the Newbery challenge again. This one won the Newbery in 1931.
And then, then end. I really hated the ending: I MEAN REALLY HATED IT. In fact, I'm dropping a star now that I'm thinking about it again.
I have decided to try the Newbery challenge again. This one won the Newbery in 1931.
September 16, 2008
on my goose.
this is one of the best books in existence
it only takes about an hour to read
but is too worth it to possibly describe.
this is one of the best books in existence
it only takes about an hour to read
but is too worth it to possibly describe.
October 4, 2013
I read this book as a child, and I have to say it affected me profoundly, perhaps more than any other book I ever read. It's a beautiful story, rich, historical, yet mystical. I learned so much from reading this book, and I think every child should read it, I think it would help make them a better person, as I feel it had that affect on me.
To this day I still get tears in my eyes and get choked up when I read it. Sad, and yet the most beautiful story I've every read.
To this day I still get tears in my eyes and get choked up when I read it. Sad, and yet the most beautiful story I've every read.
February 13, 2017
I LOVE this story! It's among my very favorite cat stories. A must read for cat lovers!
January 11, 2008
A delightful fable about a poor painter who is commissioned to create a masterpiece of the dying Buddha for the village temple. The artist ponders and meditates on each element of the painting. He spends time contemplating the meaning of each animal to be added, but is unable to include the cat, as legend tells that only the cat of all animals refused the teachings of Buddha. When the painter rebels against tradition, and includes a cat in the painting, he is rewarded with a miracle. A very good primer on the meaning of life, compassion, and love in the Buddhist religion. Every word masterful and meaningful. Highly recommended.
January 13, 2018
I'm not really sure what to say about this book. Elizabeth Coatsworth was born in Buffalo, NY and visited Japan in the early 1900's and it was this travel that inspired her stories from this region. From what I've heard, earlier editions of this book stated that it was inspired by a Buddhist folktale but did not name the specific tale. Now, the 2008 edition I read did not state that anywhere in the book. It doesn't state that it was derived from anything in particular. However, when you search for 'death of Buddha' and 'cat' you do eventually come across references to an artist named Cho Densu who included a cat in his painting. Cho Densu died around 1431. The details about the cat varied depending on source, so I have not included those here, but, it seems likely that this book is inspired by that story of Cho Densu.
Also throughout the book are mentions and paraphrasing of some the Jataka Tales.
I don't know. There's always the potential for issues when you are writing about a culture that is not your own. While I didn't note anything specifically problematic, I do wish that the works that inspired this were mentioned. The 2008 version I read had beautiful illustrations by Raoul Vitale.
The book isn't especially fun to read and the ending may be upsetting for some.
On the bright side though, this did make me spend a lot of time with Google trying to hunt down the original source material and thus I did learn something from this book.
Also throughout the book are mentions and paraphrasing of some the Jataka Tales.
I don't know. There's always the potential for issues when you are writing about a culture that is not your own. While I didn't note anything specifically problematic, I do wish that the works that inspired this were mentioned. The 2008 version I read had beautiful illustrations by Raoul Vitale.
The book isn't especially fun to read and the ending may be upsetting for some.
On the bright side though, this did make me spend a lot of time with Google trying to hunt down the original source material and thus I did learn something from this book.
August 21, 2010
Not so much...don't know why this was an award winner. Maybe they were using different criteria back then?
I only pulled two useful quotes from this book:
"Only a clear pool has beautiful reflections." (pg. 18)
and for the pure immature amusement of laughing at something taken out of context:
"Holy thoughts are in his mind, heavenly desire,
While I boil his chestnuts, here on my little fire" (pg. 32)
Worst Newbery I've read so far. From other reviews I've read it seems other people really like this book. People keep saying they'll never forget how it touched their soul, yada yada. I'll never forget wasting a weekend afternoon reading it!
I only pulled two useful quotes from this book:
"Only a clear pool has beautiful reflections." (pg. 18)
and for the pure immature amusement of laughing at something taken out of context:
"Holy thoughts are in his mind, heavenly desire,
While I boil his chestnuts, here on my little fire" (pg. 32)
Worst Newbery I've read so far. From other reviews I've read it seems other people really like this book. People keep saying they'll never forget how it touched their soul, yada yada. I'll never forget wasting a weekend afternoon reading it!
October 12, 2008
I first encountered this book when I started reading. It was a battered old hardcover copy that was tucked away on a shelf at my primary school. When I read the story it made me cry. Many years later, a good friend of mine, hearing me speak of the book, gave it to me as a gift. She slipped into my office while I was out and left it on my desk. I cried again.
Okay. I'm funny about animals.
Okay. I'm funny about animals.
July 14, 2017
4 sao
Một câu chuyện nhỏ nhưng hàm chứa ý nghĩa sâu xa. Là truyện thiếu nhi nên có nhiều chi tiết kỳ ảo hấp dẫn, nhưng người lớn đọc sẽ thấy những tầng nghĩa khác nữa, đó là cái hay của cuốn sách này. Tuy nhiên dung lượng sách rất ngắn nên mọi thứ đều rất xúc tích, cô đọng, cần đọc chậm và suy ngẫm để cảm nhận được ý nghĩa của nó.
Một câu chuyện nhỏ nhưng hàm chứa ý nghĩa sâu xa. Là truyện thiếu nhi nên có nhiều chi tiết kỳ ảo hấp dẫn, nhưng người lớn đọc sẽ thấy những tầng nghĩa khác nữa, đó là cái hay của cuốn sách này. Tuy nhiên dung lượng sách rất ngắn nên mọi thứ đều rất xúc tích, cô đọng, cần đọc chậm và suy ngẫm để cảm nhận được ý nghĩa của nó.
September 17, 2015
Cats, Buddha, art, being nice to cats, forgiveness, and a cat. What's not to love?
October 30, 2019
"Once upon a time, far away in Japan, a poor young artist sat alone in his little house, waiting for his dinner." But on this particular day, dinner was not coming. Instead, inside the housekeeper’s little bamboo basket was a small white cat with yellow and black spots on her sides. But the artist could barely provide for the two of them let alone a third! Fortunately, a tri-colored cat is a very lucky thing to have and so she was kept and named Good Fortune. True to her name, good fortune followed her and soon the head priest from the temple arrived and commissioned the artist to paint the death of the lord Buddha. It seemed that the luck of everyone…and everything…in the household was about to change.
Written in 1930 and awarded the Newberry Medal in 1931, "The Cat Who Went to Heaven" is a short book (just 63 pages) brimming with lessons of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Elizabeth Coatsworth’s book has been reprinted twenty-four times, but I suggest selecting the version containing Lynd Ward’s exquisite illustrations. His drawings bring an added depth and richness to Coatsworth’s beautiful words and will allow readers to fully immerse themselves within this exotic and mystical world.
"The Cat Who Went to Heaven" is recommended for ages 10 and up, but younger audiences may enjoy it as a bedtime story. The short chapters followed by a summarizing poem make it an ideal nighttime read. Most of the book centers around the artist painting various animals which Buddha embodied throughout his life. Each animal has its own story, and each story has its own moral including honesty, kindness, fidelity, and bravery. The story is charming and flows like silk, but the ending is abrupt (it even took me a bit by surprise) and may not sit well with more sensitive readers. Not to spoil the story, but the title IS an indicator as to how this story ends so forewarned is forearmed.
“Forgiveness” is the centerpiece of this book and it was Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and human rights activist, who once said, “Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.” Coatsworth wrote her book a year before Archbishop Tutu was born, but she too must have realized the sentiment behind these words because through forgiveness, she has given Good Fortune a very happy beginning, which in turn gives her readers a truly happy ending.
Written in 1930 and awarded the Newberry Medal in 1931, "The Cat Who Went to Heaven" is a short book (just 63 pages) brimming with lessons of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Elizabeth Coatsworth’s book has been reprinted twenty-four times, but I suggest selecting the version containing Lynd Ward’s exquisite illustrations. His drawings bring an added depth and richness to Coatsworth’s beautiful words and will allow readers to fully immerse themselves within this exotic and mystical world.
"The Cat Who Went to Heaven" is recommended for ages 10 and up, but younger audiences may enjoy it as a bedtime story. The short chapters followed by a summarizing poem make it an ideal nighttime read. Most of the book centers around the artist painting various animals which Buddha embodied throughout his life. Each animal has its own story, and each story has its own moral including honesty, kindness, fidelity, and bravery. The story is charming and flows like silk, but the ending is abrupt (it even took me a bit by surprise) and may not sit well with more sensitive readers. Not to spoil the story, but the title IS an indicator as to how this story ends so forewarned is forearmed.
“Forgiveness” is the centerpiece of this book and it was Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and human rights activist, who once said, “Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.” Coatsworth wrote her book a year before Archbishop Tutu was born, but she too must have realized the sentiment behind these words because through forgiveness, she has given Good Fortune a very happy beginning, which in turn gives her readers a truly happy ending.
January 24, 2019
What the hell, why is this a book? As short as it was, it was too long. It may have made a nice folk-tale, without the endless passages of the artist channeling the life of Siddhartha.
September 18, 2019
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 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 , 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...
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 , 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...
Read
April 27, 2020Sometimes the things we think will bring us ruin may turn out to be the most beautiful miracles of all.
When his housekeeper brings home a tiny white cat, a poor artist is angered. He can barely afford to keep himself alive in ancient Japan, let alone afford to feed another mouse. But when the villages head priest comissions a painting of the Buddha, things start to look up. The artist then can't help but to wonder: could the soul he believed to bring him suffering actually be bringing him luck?
A tale of good fortune from supposed bad. A story of a cat, a man, and a painting of One so humbly grand.
Trigger warning for poverty, and mention of animal death.
Poor and down on his luck, our protagonist, known as the artist, was reluctant to house a creature who would only bring more ill will. He may have been upset at his housekeeper's decision, but he did show a kind, softer heart, the more the story progressed. As gorgeously meaningful images blossomed in his mind, I was awed by the consideration he put into his painting.
Beautiful things blossom before and are inspired by the acts of beautiful souls. Aided by his dutifully proud housekeeper and a smart cat named Good Fortune, the artist created his masterpiece. It was interesting to see how both of them changed his life, bringing out different sides of him. Good Fortune was such a fascinating companion, creating such a large impact on the lives she touched. So much love, grace, and, intelligence within that little soul!
Initially, this title took away my breath and called up a tear. As a pet parent how could I not be saddened by the thought of pain befalling a furbaby, yet after reading the synopsis, how could I not read this? A simply immersive fable of stories about the life of a Buddha, the imagery conjured up by Elizabeth Coatsworth's prose was captivating. Offset by the housekeeper's songs and delicate illustrations, The Cat Who Went to Heaven sweeps you along a short journey of smiles, excitement, and humbleness. Unexpectedly perplexing, the ending brings about reflection and tears for multitude of reasons. As much beauty as there is to be found within this tale I hesitate to recommended to animal lovers. A lesson in sacrifice, love, and miracles, this is truly its own story.
Keep your heart and eyes open to the tale of Good Fortune.
When his housekeeper brings home a tiny white cat, a poor artist is angered. He can barely afford to keep himself alive in ancient Japan, let alone afford to feed another mouse. But when the villages head priest comissions a painting of the Buddha, things start to look up. The artist then can't help but to wonder: could the soul he believed to bring him suffering actually be bringing him luck?
A tale of good fortune from supposed bad. A story of a cat, a man, and a painting of One so humbly grand.
Trigger warning for poverty, and mention of animal death.
Poor and down on his luck, our protagonist, known as the artist, was reluctant to house a creature who would only bring more ill will. He may have been upset at his housekeeper's decision, but he did show a kind, softer heart, the more the story progressed. As gorgeously meaningful images blossomed in his mind, I was awed by the consideration he put into his painting.
Beautiful things blossom before and are inspired by the acts of beautiful souls. Aided by his dutifully proud housekeeper and a smart cat named Good Fortune, the artist created his masterpiece. It was interesting to see how both of them changed his life, bringing out different sides of him. Good Fortune was such a fascinating companion, creating such a large impact on the lives she touched. So much love, grace, and, intelligence within that little soul!
Initially, this title took away my breath and called up a tear. As a pet parent how could I not be saddened by the thought of pain befalling a furbaby, yet after reading the synopsis, how could I not read this? A simply immersive fable of stories about the life of a Buddha, the imagery conjured up by Elizabeth Coatsworth's prose was captivating. Offset by the housekeeper's songs and delicate illustrations, The Cat Who Went to Heaven sweeps you along a short journey of smiles, excitement, and humbleness. Unexpectedly perplexing, the ending brings about reflection and tears for multitude of reasons. As much beauty as there is to be found within this tale I hesitate to recommended to animal lovers. A lesson in sacrifice, love, and miracles, this is truly its own story.
Keep your heart and eyes open to the tale of Good Fortune.
June 4, 2011
Absolutely loved this book, with its beautiful illustrations and many layers. The cat's personality, the artist, the housekeeper, and the Buddha intertwined in an intriguing and lovely tale.
April 21, 2020
When his housekeeper brings home a cat, a long-ago Japanese artist is unimpressed. To his mind, cats are goblins and devils who may kill human beings in their sleep! When he realizes she is a three-color cat, however, he sees that Good Fortune, as she is named, may bring him good luck. As the housekeeper observes the cat's influence on the household, the artist works on a commissioned painting of Buddha for the local temple, adding one at a time each animal that paid homage to Buddha during his life. Only the cat is missing from the piece, as the cat was too proud to worship Buddha - but perhaps the artist might be able to redeem this stubborn animal and help her get to heaven after all.
This novella-length Newbery-medal-winning tale is an engaging way to introduce young readers to the work of an artist, to the life of Buddha, and to the legends associated with Buddha and various animals. Though I typically have reservations about books suggesting that animals go to heaven, it didn't bother me as much in this context, since the idea is presented within the belief system of Buddhism, and in a format that reads very much like a folktale.
My favorite aspects of the book are the housekeeper's "songs" at the start of each chapter, which are short poems sharing her insights into the artist's relationship with Good Fortune and his progress on his painting, and the artwork itself, created by Lynd Ward. I love the contrast between the orange ink drawings depicting the artist himself and the colorful paintings depicting each animal the artist adds to his canvas. Both the "songs" and the art add dimensions to the main text that give the book a lot more weight than its slim 63 pages might appear to carry.
I imagine this book is a big hit with cat lovers, but even I, a non-animal person, was able to see the value in it. The writing is very precise and engaging, with no extra words or superfluous descriptions, and the structure of the story feels very satisfying all the way to the end. I haven't read this book with my kids just yet, but I look forward to experiencing it again with them to see how they react to it.
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
This novella-length Newbery-medal-winning tale is an engaging way to introduce young readers to the work of an artist, to the life of Buddha, and to the legends associated with Buddha and various animals. Though I typically have reservations about books suggesting that animals go to heaven, it didn't bother me as much in this context, since the idea is presented within the belief system of Buddhism, and in a format that reads very much like a folktale.
My favorite aspects of the book are the housekeeper's "songs" at the start of each chapter, which are short poems sharing her insights into the artist's relationship with Good Fortune and his progress on his painting, and the artwork itself, created by Lynd Ward. I love the contrast between the orange ink drawings depicting the artist himself and the colorful paintings depicting each animal the artist adds to his canvas. Both the "songs" and the art add dimensions to the main text that give the book a lot more weight than its slim 63 pages might appear to carry.
I imagine this book is a big hit with cat lovers, but even I, a non-animal person, was able to see the value in it. The writing is very precise and engaging, with no extra words or superfluous descriptions, and the structure of the story feels very satisfying all the way to the end. I haven't read this book with my kids just yet, but I look forward to experiencing it again with them to see how they react to it.
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
June 9, 2008
An starving artist's housekeeper comes home from the market one day with a cat. The artist is skeptical at first, because cats are looked down upon as demons, but this is no ordinary cat. She seems to understand humans. The artist quickly takes a liking to the cat and names her Good Fortune.
Soon after a priest comes to the artist to commission a painting for the temple. If the other priests like the painting, the artist will become famous and will never starve again. At first Good Fortune comes into watch the artist paint every day, and seems to love his work. The artist paints Buddha and surrounds him with the animals whose forms he has taken in past lives, and he can tell Good Fortune is disappointed and sad that the artist will not paint a cat. The cat is the only animal that refused Buddha's enlightenment, and the artist knows his painting will be rejected if he includes one. Finally, the artist can no longer stand to see Good Fortune so sad, and he includes a cat anyway.
Sure enough, the priests see the finished painting and decide they must burn it. However, the next day, a messenger comes running to the artist to tell him a miracle has occurred. The cat in his painting has disappeared from the spot where the artist had painted it, and is now located in the arms of Buddha.
While I enjoyed the "moral of the story", I didn't think the plot was that compelling. The length was appropriate though, and readers who like fables may enjoy this one.
Soon after a priest comes to the artist to commission a painting for the temple. If the other priests like the painting, the artist will become famous and will never starve again. At first Good Fortune comes into watch the artist paint every day, and seems to love his work. The artist paints Buddha and surrounds him with the animals whose forms he has taken in past lives, and he can tell Good Fortune is disappointed and sad that the artist will not paint a cat. The cat is the only animal that refused Buddha's enlightenment, and the artist knows his painting will be rejected if he includes one. Finally, the artist can no longer stand to see Good Fortune so sad, and he includes a cat anyway.
Sure enough, the priests see the finished painting and decide they must burn it. However, the next day, a messenger comes running to the artist to tell him a miracle has occurred. The cat in his painting has disappeared from the spot where the artist had painted it, and is now located in the arms of Buddha.
While I enjoyed the "moral of the story", I didn't think the plot was that compelling. The length was appropriate though, and readers who like fables may enjoy this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2017
I can't honestly shelve this as a children's book, even though my copy was a Scholastic book. What we have here is basically a "life of Buddha" (ie Siddharta) wrapped in a story about a poor Japanese artist whose housekeeper brings him a cat. Not just any cat but a "money cat" (Maneki Neko)--white with calico patches and a short, curly tail. Said cat's life ambition is to see a cat added to a picture of the animals paying homage to the Buddha, since legend has it that the cat was the only animal who rejected the Buddha's teachings.
What we get is detailed descriptions of the artist meditating each day on the life and death of Siddharta/Buddha, which while well written is not something I think kids would be interested in, unless they were interested in Buddhism as such. There are quite a few tales of the Buddha's many supposed reincarnations as different animals, all of whom end by speaking with a human voice. The end of the story perhaps owes more to mideval Catholic hagiographies than to Asian tales.
What we get is detailed descriptions of the artist meditating each day on the life and death of Siddharta/Buddha, which while well written is not something I think kids would be interested in, unless they were interested in Buddhism as such. There are quite a few tales of the Buddha's many supposed reincarnations as different animals, all of whom end by speaking with a human voice. The end of the story perhaps owes more to mideval Catholic hagiographies than to Asian tales.
December 3, 2010
It was a beautiful story but... I am confused how I would rate it.
plot - 3 stars because I can't predict what's next;
moral - 5 stars because of the retelling of Buddha's sojourn to enlightenment; I specifically like the story of the elephant :D
excitement - 2 stars because I was just getting excited and it's done!
But I guessed what really caught me is the time when the artist gave up everything for the happiness of the cat without any pang of regret. It is when I realized that people would really damn it all for their beloved. Apparently people around will not understand unless they undergo a similar situation...
I am about to finish this review when I asked myself if I had become like a cat...would I end up like the cat in the story? Hmmm... a wonderful thought to ponder.. Okay I change my rating from three stars to four.
plot - 3 stars because I can't predict what's next;
moral - 5 stars because of the retelling of Buddha's sojourn to enlightenment; I specifically like the story of the elephant :D
excitement - 2 stars because I was just getting excited and it's done!
But I guessed what really caught me is the time when the artist gave up everything for the happiness of the cat without any pang of regret. It is when I realized that people would really damn it all for their beloved. Apparently people around will not understand unless they undergo a similar situation...
I am about to finish this review when I asked myself if I had become like a cat...would I end up like the cat in the story? Hmmm... a wonderful thought to ponder.. Okay I change my rating from three stars to four.
July 26, 2017
Một câu chuyện nhẹ nhàng, cốt truyện đơn giản, kể về các loài vật dưới góc nhìn tâm linh. Xuyên suốt câu chuyện, tác giả gói gọn những cảm nhận về cuộc đời của Đức Phật bằng một bức tranh của chàng họa sĩ nghèo. Mỗi con vật được chàng họa sĩ vẽ trên bức tranh là một câu chuyện về Đức Phật.
Nhưng có một điều đặc biệt là theo truyền thuyết, loài mèo bị xem là loài kiêu ngạo và không vâng lời Đức Phật (và không được vào Niết Bàn). Chỉ vì tình thương với chú mèo, chàng họa sĩ đã vẽ chú mèo chung với Đức Phật và những loài vật khác, bất chấp việc bị từ chối từ nhà sư và có nguy cơ bị hủy bức tranh. Kết chuyện cũng xảy ra cực gọn với việc bức tranh được Đức Phật biến đổi: Đức Phật từ bi giang cánh tay chúc phúc cho loài mèo.
Nhưng có một điều đặc biệt là theo truyền thuyết, loài mèo bị xem là loài kiêu ngạo và không vâng lời Đức Phật (và không được vào Niết Bàn). Chỉ vì tình thương với chú mèo, chàng họa sĩ đã vẽ chú mèo chung với Đức Phật và những loài vật khác, bất chấp việc bị từ chối từ nhà sư và có nguy cơ bị hủy bức tranh. Kết chuyện cũng xảy ra cực gọn với việc bức tranh được Đức Phật biến đổi: Đức Phật từ bi giang cánh tay chúc phúc cho loài mèo.
August 28, 2019
Continuing my cat themed reading, this Newberry Medal winner is an extraordinary read. Written in 1930 this timeless story is a beautiful depiction of the power in compassion and a hunger for more than food.
October 16, 2019
A delightful award winning children's tale from 1930!
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