This delightful and visually appealing (the illustrations have a wonderful watercolor-like quality about them) children's book is based on the Japanese "beckoning-cat legend", I Am Tama, Lucky Cat.
In Japanese legend when a cat raises it's paw it means "Come to me!" The cat is beckoning you closer which is considered to be good luck.
Tama is a stray cat who beckons a monk who shows pity on Tama and takes him in, in spite of the fact he has little food to eat himself.
The monk "had learned through Buddha's teachings to be happy in easing the suffering of others."
"He never considered his own hunger, but looked with compassion upon the hollow cheeks of his people and the protruding bones beneath my coat."
"It was for me and the temple worshippers that he wanted more food...more warmth...more comfort."
Tama is grateful and promises the monk he will bring good fortune to him and to the worshippers who come to his temple to pray.
"In Japan, it is also believed that when a cat washes its face, a guest will arrive."
Does Tama succeed? How did he earn the name of "Lucky Cat?" You will have to read this wonderful book to find out.
I Am Tama, Lucky Cat "is a timeless story of friendship, generosity and kindness", something we all can never have enough of in our daily life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: "WENDY HENRICHS was lucky enough to grow up in a house full of dogs and cats. The inspiration for I Am Tama, Lucky Cat came to her shortly after adopting two cats. One had a habit of raising her paw while sitting, just like a Japanese Lucky Cat figurine. Curiosity about the legends behind Lucky Cat led Wendy to the story of Tama."
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: "YOSHIKO JAEGGI was trained in her native Japan at the Osaka Municipal Institute of Fine Art. She is the illustrator of My Dadima Wears A Sari and Monsoon Afternoon." Visit her at www.yoshikojaeggi.com
- I Am Tama, Lucky Cat
- A Japanese Legend
- Written by Wendy Henrichs
- Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi
- Age 5-9
- Hardcover: $16.95
- ISBN: 978-1-56145-589-8
To thank all of YOU for your "friendship, generosity and kindness" I am going to give-away one copy of I Am Tama, Lucky Cat.
How can YOU be the "lucky cat" to win this charming story? Just leave a comment below by Monday, August 29th, 2011 at midnight EST. One winner will be chosen at random. (CONTEST IS OPEN TO EVERYONE!) The "lucky cat" who wins this special book will be announced Wednesday, August 31st, 2011
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