The Cat Who Went to Heaven
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1930 · Est. 1.5 hour read

The Cat Who Went to Heaven

By Elizabeth Coatsworth, Raoul Vitale (Illustrator), Raoul Vitale (Illustrator)

An artist's compassion for a cat defies fate and invites a miracle.

3.7/5 Goodreads · 6,706 ratings
96 pages· 11,140 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
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Bookroo's summary

In ancient Japan, a struggling artist's life takes a turn when a tiny white cat enters his home. Commissioned to paint the Buddha, he includes the cat, defying a legend that denies the feline divine favor. The priest rejects the painting, threatening the artist's livelihood. Yet, in an unexpected twist, the artist's act of love for the cat leads to a miraculous reward. Will compassion triumph over tradition, or will the artist's fate be sealed by his bold choice?

From the publisher

A Newberry Medal Winner

This timeless fable has been a classic since its first publication in 1930, and this beautifully reillustrated edition brings the magic and wonder of the tale to a new generation of readers.

In ancient Japan, a struggling artist is angered when his housekeeper brings home a tiny white cat he can barely afford to feed. But when the village’s head priest commissions a painting of the Buddha for a healthy sum, the artist softens toward the animal he believes has brought him luck.

According to legend, the proud and haughty cat was denied the Buddha’s blessing for refusing to accept his teachings and pay him homage. So when the artist, moved by compassion for his pet, includes the cat in his painting, the priest rejects the work and decrees that it must be destroyed. It seems the artist’s life is ruined as well—until he is rewarded for his act of love by a Buddhist miracle.

Awards

Newbery Medal (1931)
At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
96
Words
11,140
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Juvenile Reader
Lexile
1000L
Themes & topics
Books about catsBooks about places and regionsBooks about artistsBooks about Ancient to 499 ADBooks about Buddha
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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
5.9
F&P level
~X
AR points
2
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
17
Publication
Published
January 8, 2008
First published
January 1, 1930
Publisher
Aladdin
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781416949732

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