Parents' Guide to

I Am Tama, Lucky Cat

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Japanese legend vividly told in striking picture book.

Book Wendy Henrichs Folklore 2011
I Am Tama, Lucky Cat Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

When a cat named Tama is found by a monk at an impoverished temple, the hungry cat lifts his arm to him in welcome. The poor man takes Tama in, and in return that cat gives him purrs, the warmth of his fur -- and a promise that "I will bring you good fortune!" This he does by lifting his arm again in greeting to a samurai passing by the temple during a storm.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This story is simply told, but it can be enjoyed by kids at different ages. The older kids are, the more they will enjoy probing the meaning of the legend, and thinking about what tools the cat used to bring fortune to the temple. Even the littlest kids will love the watercolor illustrations, which include a whimsical image of the cat meditating alongside his Buddhist master to a magical picture of the improved temple toward the book's end, with cherry blossoms blowing on the visitors who've come to worship. The story may also spawn kids' interest in legends from other cultures and religions.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about legends. What other folk or fairy tales do you know? Why do we continue to pass around the same stories?

  • In books and movies cats are often curious, lazy, or cunning. How is the cat in this book different? What words would you use to describe Tama?

Book Details

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