I Am Tama, Lucky Cat

PreS-Gr 2—Evocative watercolor illustrations capture ancient Japan in this picture-book retelling of the lucky-cat legend. Cat Tama narrates how she came to live with a poor monk in his rundown temple and her habit of sitting with her right paw upheld in the traditional Japanese greeting, "Come to me." Food is scarce, but the monk and feline live contentedly. One spring day during a raging storm, the animal dashes out to the temple gate. There she meets a traveling warlord, and through her beckoning gesture saves his life and changes the temple's fortune. An author's note explains the origin of the story and includes photos of beckoning cat figurines and the temple where the legendary Tama lived. The story's tone is formal but not stilted, as when the cat says, "I smiled at him with my pale green eyes, for I was not hurt." The artist studied in Osaka and her traditional training comes through, blending formal composition with light comic touches, such as Tama mimicking the monk's lotus pose. The images alternate between full-page paintings and panels reminiscent of Japanese screen paintings. With its compelling story and stunning art, this is a worthy addition.—Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR