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I Am Tama, Lucky Cat
A monk with little more than a few grains of rice to share welcomes a feline visitor into his humble home and place of worship. Little does he know that the hungry, shivering animal he names Tama would bring him both friendship and good fortune beyond his dreams. Illustrations.
Hardcover, 18 pages
Published
August 1st 2011
by Peachtree Publ
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Have you ever wondered about the "Lucky Cat"? You know...that little kitty depicted in oh-so-many statues, figurines and other touristy type items when seeking something Japanese that is seemingly less traditional and more fun. Bet you thought that he was JUST a cute little cat? Guess again.
Maneki Neko, or the Beckoning Cat as is his formal name, stems from a Japanese legend of old where a lone monk staying in a less than idyllic temple (it had seen much better days) takes in this lonely furry s...more
Maneki Neko, or the Beckoning Cat as is his formal name, stems from a Japanese legend of old where a lone monk staying in a less than idyllic temple (it had seen much better days) takes in this lonely furry s...more
I Am Tama, Lucky Cat is based on a Japanese legend and it reads like a fable. Tama arrives at a temple looking for food and shelter. What she finds is a poor monk willing to share the few things he has. Tama feels like a lucky cat for having found this master and his broken temple. They share everything and Tama helps by keeping their small food supply free from mice and warming her master with her fur coat. The monk feels blessed, having been found by a rare black and orange colored Japanese Bo...more
I am Tama, Lucky Cat by Wendy Henrichs is told from the point of view of a cat in Japan in search of a home. He approaches a dilapidated temple one evening, where he is found by an old monk. Tama greets the monk in his usual way--by raising one paw in a waving motion. The monk names him Tama, which means luck, and takes him in. By living with his master, Tama learns Buddha's ways.
Tama brings good luck in small ways throughout the book--for example, but catching the mice that invade the temple's...more
Tama brings good luck in small ways throughout the book--for example, but catching the mice that invade the temple's...more
Mar 29, 2011
Cleffairy
added it
Review published at: Over A Cuppa Tea
Date reviewed: 16th Feb 2011
Review link: http://cleffairy.com/?p=4779
While the superstitious Chinese believes that cats bring nothing but sheer bad luck, the Japanese believes otherwise. As you all probably know. I have the same opinion as the Japanese, for without my pet cat, Meow Meow, my family and I would have not survived the fire back then in 2009. She’s our little guardian angel, and she brought so much joy and happiness in our life.
I couldn’t resist...more
Date reviewed: 16th Feb 2011
Review link: http://cleffairy.com/?p=4779
While the superstitious Chinese believes that cats bring nothing but sheer bad luck, the Japanese believes otherwise. As you all probably know. I have the same opinion as the Japanese, for without my pet cat, Meow Meow, my family and I would have not survived the fire back then in 2009. She’s our little guardian angel, and she brought so much joy and happiness in our life.
I couldn’t resist...more
Charming. In a word, that sums up this picture book. The underlining message was subtle, but sweet. The illustrations are wonderful and pull the reader in. The beautiful watercolor images are this book's strength. I had never heard of the Beckoning Cat legend before (although I've seen the cat sculptures based on it). This is an enjoyable introduction to it.
Little things keep this from being fantastic. The moral of this legend (karma) is perhaps too subtle. The monk saves Tama (the cat) and care...more
Little things keep this from being fantastic. The moral of this legend (karma) is perhaps too subtle. The monk saves Tama (the cat) and care...more
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A simple yet resonant story detailing one possible origin of the myth of the adorable Japanese Maneki Neko, or Lucky Cat. The prose is fluid and evocative, with a just slightly rhythmic syntax that is perfect for reading out loud. The illustrations are gorgeous and layered, but subtle, with soft muted colours that draw you in visually and provide a restful feeling. Although they are never overly busy or cluttered, the illustrations have enough depth and detail that I can easily imagine children...more
“By associating with the cat one only risks becoming richer." - Sidonie Gabrielle
somewhere in the snow-capped mountains of Japan, a white bobtailed cat with unusual markings shows up at the door of a rundown temple where a monk teaches Buddha's ways to poor farmers. he welcomes the cat and names it Tama. concerned about the people's welfare more than his own, the Buddhist monk ignores the rumblings of his hungry stomach and his sufferings. he wants more food, warmth and comfort for the temple's...more
somewhere in the snow-capped mountains of Japan, a white bobtailed cat with unusual markings shows up at the door of a rundown temple where a monk teaches Buddha's ways to poor farmers. he welcomes the cat and names it Tama. concerned about the people's welfare more than his own, the Buddhist monk ignores the rumblings of his hungry stomach and his sufferings. he wants more food, warmth and comfort for the temple's...more
I was a bit skeptical before beginning to read it. I picked it because the cover is adorable and I generally really like children's books. In a sense, I think, children's books are very honest, partially because they have to be, but also because children are a lot less complicated than adults.
The story is actually very sweet. It's about this cat, Tama, who is taken in by a monk. This monk has had bad luck but he is very kind and always helps those in need of more. After years something happens,...more
The story is actually very sweet. It's about this cat, Tama, who is taken in by a monk. This monk has had bad luck but he is very kind and always helps those in need of more. After years something happens,...more
This delightful picture book provides background for why so many Japanese love the beckoning cat. According to the legend told by the author, a hungry, homeless cat approached a temple in search of shelter. Although the temple has fallen on hard times, a kindly monk living there befriends the cat and names her. He is taken by her unique way of lifting a paw in greeting. During a storm, the cat races outside and lifts her paw, beckoning an approaching warlord closer and saving his life. In gratit...more
I thought Wendy Henrichs did a really great job in turning this brilliant and heart-warming Japanese legend into a picture book for children. I can not imagine anyone who would not enjoy it! She managed to create a book, that is informative to the children without the didactic feeling of a textbook.
Speaking about the book, it's impossible not to mention gorgeous illustrations by Yoshiko Jaeggi, as they are an inseparable part of it. The details are breath-taking, soft and dreamy colors draw your...more
Speaking about the book, it's impossible not to mention gorgeous illustrations by Yoshiko Jaeggi, as they are an inseparable part of it. The details are breath-taking, soft and dreamy colors draw your...more
I Am Tama tells the ancient story of Tama the lucky cat. Tama was alone in the cold world when he came upon a monastery. Tama sat in the doorway and waited with his right pay upheld. He became the monk’s friend and companion. But the monastery was in disrepair. One night, there was a terrible rainstorm. Tama ran out into the night. A passing samurai warrior saw Tama and realized Tama was gesturing to him to come in. He did and just in time; a large limb from a cherry tree fell where the warrior...more
Wendy Henrichs has elegantly captured one of the possible origins of Maneki Neko, the Japanese waving cat, in I Am Tama, Lucky Cat: A Japanese Legend. This poignant tale, told with a light lyrical prose and combined with Yoshiko Jaeggi's beautiful watercolors, creates a lovely picture book to enjoy with children. While I've often seen Japanese waving cats, I've never realized the signifigance behind the story. Children and parents alike will appreciate that even someone small can make a great di...more
I am Tama, Lucky Cat is a retelling of the old Japanese legend of the Maneki Neko, or lucky cat. The book is beautifully illustrated; I especially love the depictions of the koi pond and the lightning demons.
The tale itself is simple and poignant, and would appeal to early readers, or read by parents as a bedtime story. At the end of the book is a little page on the history of the lucky cat in Japan.
A delightful book for any child who likes animal stories, or as an introduction to Japan.
The tale itself is simple and poignant, and would appeal to early readers, or read by parents as a bedtime story. At the end of the book is a little page on the history of the lucky cat in Japan.
A delightful book for any child who likes animal stories, or as an introduction to Japan.
I've heard a lot of different versions of Tama the lucky cat but it's been a while since I've seen it in a current picture book. I love the little folktale and was happy to read this book. It's really cute and the pictures are nice so I gave it 4 stars. I only held back on the 5th star because I felt like the story was a little bit wordy for the average picture book reader, even if read by a parent.
Nonetheless, it's good to see a new retelling about Maneki Neko.
Niko Niko! =^.^=
Nonetheless, it's good to see a new retelling about Maneki Neko.
Niko Niko! =^.^=
This was a beautifully illustrated children's book that gives a quick version of the Japanese lucky cat (Maneki Neko) legend. I have 2 of these cat figurines in my house and knew a little about them, but not the origin story. I read it in about 20 minutes at most and it was a lovely story with lovely illustrations of warriors, monks, temples, cherry blossoms, and cats...really, what more could you want? ;)
I was lucky enough to get an advance copy, and I have to say that I really enjoyed reading this book. The story was well paced; there were just enough words on each page, without it being overwhelming at any point, and the illustrations matched this nicely. They were mellow colors, used well to complement the story nicely.
I really enjoy reading about mythology, and it makes me happy when books for children address mythology well-- which I believe this story did.
I really enjoy reading about mythology, and it makes me happy when books for children address mythology well-- which I believe this story did.
Exotic features of Japanese culture. around the Lucky Cat. Bamboo,monk, buddhism, cherry trees, calligraphy, kimono..
The ending part sounds like contemporary yet illustration remained in exotic presentation.. Narration is mixed with contemporary voice with story telling of legend. Writing could have been better. Typical presentation of Asian culture in the us. Ugh!
The ending part sounds like contemporary yet illustration remained in exotic presentation.. Narration is mixed with contemporary voice with story telling of legend. Writing could have been better. Typical presentation of Asian culture in the us. Ugh!
In many Asian restaurants around my city (and probably yours) you will find the Lucky Cat, a figurine of a cat with it’s paw raised in a wave. I’ve always wondered what it was about and my friends would always say that it brings luck.
I am Tama, Lucky Cat, tells the tale of the Lucky Cat. It is beautifully illustrated and the story itself is sweet and charming. It is based on the Maneki Neko, and illustrates one of the many stories of origin of the sculpture. It is a great way to understand the...more
I am Tama, Lucky Cat, tells the tale of the Lucky Cat. It is beautifully illustrated and the story itself is sweet and charming. It is based on the Maneki Neko, and illustrates one of the many stories of origin of the sculpture. It is a great way to understand the...more
A tale originating in the Edo period, in the 17th century. Apparently, this is the origin of the belief behind putting the maneki neko figurines in storefront and restaurant windows, where they beckon visitors in with promises of good fortune.
This is a picture book with lovely illustrations. The water-painting effect and soft colors give me a peaceful feeling. The author does not only write a story about a lucky cat, but she fills it with Japanese culture and Buddha’s teaching as well.
I really enjoyed this re-telling of a Japanese legend about a lucky cat with a raised paw, the basis for so many cat figurines depicting this trait. As a cat-lover, this was new to me. Lovely illustrations, too.
All of the traditional Japanese tropes are here: cats, Buddhist priests, cherry trees, and samurai. This explanantion of the Lucky Cat legend seemed trite and adds little depth to multicultural literature collections.
Being a cat lover myself, I appreciate the reverence here for the feline. Charming pourquoi tale of how the "Tama" cat motif (one paw raised, beckoning) became a symbol of hospitality.
The watercolor illustrations are good. The retelling of the legend from a cat's point of view is interesting although difficult at a few places. I learned a lot from this book.
eh....ok. I feel this will be a controversal book because of the religious background. The story itself to me was a bit bland.
The humane-minded author hits another home run with the beautifully-illustrated story of Japan's famed "Lucky Cat." A poor monk rescues a homeless kitten, and the animal repays him a thousand times over with her mysterious, lucky ways. A fine way to incorporate humane ed with a lesson on Japanese culture and legends.
So cute story and has too much knowledge...
It's the detailing one possible origin of the myth of the adorable Japanese Maneki Neko, or Lucky Cat. I really loved the idea of a little small cat can change fate of a temple and also become a timeless.
The Illustrations are wonderful...
It's the detailing one possible origin of the myth of the adorable Japanese Maneki Neko, or Lucky Cat. I really loved the idea of a little small cat can change fate of a temple and also become a timeless.
The Illustrations are wonderful...
Beautifully illustrated retelling of the Japanese legend of Maneki Neko.
I have one of these lucky cats! I love knowing the story behind it!
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Wendy Henrichs was inspired to write I Am Tama, Lucky Cat when she adopted two cats. One of them had a habit of raising her paw while sitting, just like a Japanese Lucky Cat figurine. Curiosity about the legends behind Lucky Cat led her to the story of Tama. She lives in Iowa.
More about Wendy Henrichs...
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