THE LOYAL CAT

The learned priest Tetsuzan is poor, so poor that even the mice leave his temple. Only his cat Huku remains, loyal because the priest once saved his life. When the lord of the nearby castle dies, the priest is too humble to think his prayers will be wanted, but the practical, magical Huku sees an opportunity to make Tetsuzan famous, the temple rich, and his own life more comfortable. In a quiet, unobtrusive narrative, Namioka (Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear, 1992, etc.) gives this Japanese legend of how the Cat Temple got its name a satisfying twist that is true to the spirit of the unusual hero. Sogabe's serenely picturesque cut-paper illustrations are a consummate complement to a traditional story, demonstrating a wide range of perspectives and deft use of color. (Picture book/folklore. 5-8)