Sunny Seki,
The Tale of the Lucky Cat
East West Discovery Press, 2007.

Ages 5-10

When Tokuzo, an impoverished toymaker on his way to sell toys at a festival, encounters an accident that leaves a cat seriously injured, he alters his plans and stays behind to care for the animal, which he names "Tama," after the round bell she wears around her neck.  Tokuzo needs to make the most of his attendance at the festival, and he has no responsibility to Tama beyond witnessing the accident.  Despite this, he doesn't even pause to consider his decision.  Though he ends up missing the entire festival and Tama eventually dies, Tokuzo's selflessness is ultimately rewarded when his own life is saved and, after a period of self-reflection and hard work, he comes into good fortune that stems from his experience with the hurt animal.

Indeed, Tama's legacy not only brings wealth to Tokuzo, but happiness to all of Japan.  The story has become one of the nation's most famous folktales, and the beloved icon of "Maneki Neko," the Japanese "lucky cat" beckoning with a raised paw, can be found in homes and businesses all over Japan as well as in other parts of the world.

Sunny Seki's bilingual retelling of the folktale and his heartwarming watercolor illustrations bring new life and depth to this ancient story.  Rather than simply regurgitating the flat retelling of an old legend, Seki gives Tokuzo and the other characters a sense of humanity that draws readers in, whether young or old.

True to Japanese values, Tokuzo is not immediately enlightened by his mystical experiences connected to Tama, but is called to contemplate, practice, and ultimately study under a master in order to process the experience and truly grow.  This is a good lesson for both children and adults; and a welcome departure from so many stories that deliver instant gratification and epiphanies to their protagonists.  And for those of us who have always wondered about the symbolism of the smiling, beckoning cat, it is simply delightful to learn the story and be able to think of Tama and Tokuzo whenever we encounter her.

Abigail Sawyer
January 2008