I Am Tama, Lucky Cat by Wendy Henrichs - ADVISABLE

Henrichs, Wendy I Am Tama, Lucky Cat, Peachtree Publishers, 2011 (paperback 2016) $7.95. Content: G.  

On a wintery day in the forests of Japan, a white cat comes upon an old run down temple at the foot of a mountain and is welcomed in by the monk.  She raises her paw in greeting and is named Tama,  and is considered a lucky cat.  One day, in the midst of a storm, Tama waits at the gate of the temple cleaning her face, when a Samurai warrior approaches the temple and notices the cat, whose raised paw welcomes him to the temple.  When lightning strikes the tree the warrior had been under, he rewards the temple with his wealth and the presence of his family for saving his life.  

Told from the voice of the cat, this legend tells the genesis of the white cat sculptures seen in so many Japanese stores, restaurants and homes.  Well written and beautifully illustrated.  

EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE  Lisa Librarian