The Cat Who Went to Heaven

By Elizabeth Coatsworth, Raoul Vitale (illustrator),

Book cover of The Cat Who Went to Heaven

Book description

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


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Why read it?

1 author picked The Cat Who Went to Heaven as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I have read this book at least a dozen times. First published in 1930, it has become a classic, winning the Newbery Medal (the Oscar of children’s books!) and other awards. The story, which takes place in Japan, is about a poor, humble artist, who is working on an important painting. Though he has very little money and cannot afford another mouth to feed, his housekeeper brings a little white cat home from the market. At first, the artist is disgruntled, but nevertheless, the cat becomes known as Good Fortune, and indeed, through an act of selflessness, the cat does


From Lesléa's list on the loving bond between people and cats.

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