The Cat Who Went to Heaven

By Elizabeth Coatsworth

Book Overview

"The Cat Who Went to Heaven" is a poetic and meditative tale set in ancient Japan. It tells the story of a struggling young artist who is commissioned by a village priest to paint a grand silk scroll depicting the death of the Buddha. As the artist works, he is joined by a small white cat named Good Fortune, who watches with quiet devotion. The narrative weaves together various Buddhist legends as the artist contemplates which animals were present at the Buddha's passing.

Traditionally, cats were excluded from such depictions, leading to a profound moral and spiritual conflict for the artist as he nears the completion of his masterpiece. Elizabeth Coatsworth's Newbery Medal-winning story explores themes of compassion, faith, and the possibility of miracles. This classic work is celebrated for its lyrical prose and its gentle introduction to Eastern philosophy and folklore. Through the eyes of the artist and his loyal companion, readers are invited into a world where art and spirituality intersect, culminating in a touching and transcendent conclusion that remains a staple of children's literature.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025538072
• ISBN13: 9781025538075
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 78 Pages
• Weight: 0.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 0.2" x 6.1"

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.