Plot: Unlike most of his family, Sesshu Toyo does not possess the strength to help on the farm. However, he is very clever, so his parents send him to become a priest. While he lives up to their expectations, he also harbors a fault. He loves to draw cats, even when he should study. His passion leads to his failure as a priest, but also a gateway to his destiny within an abandoned temple.
Genre: Picture Books, Fairy Tales, Animals
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Similar Titles: Cats of Myths, The Flying Canoe, Puss in Boots
Personal Thoughts: This is one of my favorite fairy tales, and Hodges does it justice. The boy is understandable, the priest is authorative, and the cats are noble. The illustrations also serve the story well. The artist, Ari Sogabe, mimics traditional Japanese watercolors, adding to the exotic feel of the story and adding to the artistic themes of the tale.
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