The Cat Who Went to Heaven [1930 Edition Illustrated by Lynn Ward]

By Elizabeth Coatsworth and BY2NEXT PUBLISHING

Book Overview

In the 1930 first edition (awarded the 1931 Newbery Medal) Illustrated by Lynn Ward, the story unfolds in ancient Japan through the eyes of an impoverished artist and his gentle housekeeper. Their meager existence is challenged when the housekeeper returns from the market with a tricolor cat named Good Fortune instead of the food they desperately need. Though the artist initially views the cat as a "devil" and a burden, he is slowly won over by the creature's meditative nature and seemingly prayerful devotion, eventually coming to believe she is a true blessing in their home.

The narrative is structured around the artist's prestigious commission to paint a silk scroll of the Death of the Buddha for the local temple. As he works, the book introduces a series of lyrical interludes and "songs" by the housekeeper, which recount the stories of various animals-the snail, the elephant, the horse, and others-that were blessed by the Buddha. The 1931 edition is uniquely defined by Lynd Ward's original brush-style illustrations, which were designed to mirror the ukiyo-e aesthetic of the artist's own masterpiece, emphasizing the spiritual weight of each animal's inclusion.

The emotional core of this version lies in the artist's internal struggle with the "curse" of the cat, who was traditionally excluded from heaven due to its ancient pride. Despite knowing that including a cat in a sacred painting is forbidden and could lead to the temple's rejection, the artist is moved by Good Fortune's silent, soulful longing. In a final act of profound compassion, he paints her into the scene, leading to a quiet and startling miracle that transforms the silk scroll and validates his sacrifice.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GL4NPC7V
• ISBN13: 9798898780319
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Martino Fine Books
• Length: 68 Pages
• Weight: 0.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.0" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

A Book for Life

This book has been a favorite of my family mambers since it was first published in 1930 (My mother received it for her 10th birthday). The book is an excellent primer on Buddhism, and is entertaining and inspirational.Mercy is the message presented throughout the book, and this message is complemented by the message that true goodness comes from within our hearts,not from "leaders" mandating rigid belief systems. The story is that of a little cat who helps an poor artist to achieve greatness (in his craft and in his spirit) through compassion and self-sacrifice. My siblings and I grew up with this book. I read this book (it is only about 70 pages)to my mother the night before she died, and I re-read it tonight, on the eve of my 50th birthday. Although technically a "children's book" (and a Newberry Winner), it is a book that grows with you and, in many ways, is even more meaningful when you read it as an adult.

A wonder of a book

This was my favourite children's book (well, in a dead heat with Lewis Carroll's works) when I was a child, and it remains so to this day. It is sensitive, lyrical, and captivating. I've given it to many friends, of many ages and many cultures, and all of them have liked it. It is one book I can commend without reservation: a rare and true delight.

How a cat received the blessing of Buddha.

This short tale, which won the 1931 Newbery Medal for best contribution to American children's literature, is about a poor artist in Japan who is commissioned to paint a picture of Buddha's death. The story teaches children a little about Buddhism and about the concept of reincarnation. The artist paints pictures of the animals coming to be blessed by Buddha. But, legend said that cats never came. The artist's cat, Good Fortune, wishes to be included in the painting. Finally, the artist relents and Good Fortune dies from joy. But the priests now no longer want the painting since it doesn't agree with legend. The next day, however, they change their minds when a "miracle" occurs. Coatsworth was well-known for her children's stories and this short story is one of the classics of children literature.

A gentle, sweet story of how animals can change our lives

I read this book as a child and am ever so glad that my own children can enjoy it. As a cat lover I greatly appreciate the beatiful and award-winning illustrations. However, the story itself is incredibly moving. I believe the lesson I learned as a child is that animals are very important to our lives and our stewardship of them is a grave responsibility. The artist's relationship with Good Fortune changed his heart and, consequently, his life. The intolerant priest learned to forgive.