Inspired by her travels in Asia, author Elizabeth Coatsworth blends spirituality, art, and compassion in this 1931 Newbery Award–winning story set in ancient Japan. A struggling artist’s life is transformed when a calico cat enters his world, bringing him good fortune. Commissioned to paint a scene of the Buddha’s death for a local temple, he contemplates the connection between humans and animals in Buddhist beliefs with each stroke of his brush. In a poignant twist of fate, he includes the cat in his depiction—defying the tradition that cats are unworthy of salvation. What follows is a reminder that even the simplest creatures can hold the key to enlightenment and grace. Beautifully enhanced by Lynd Ward’s illustrations, this perennial classic imparts universal lessons of acceptance, love, mercy, and sacrifice for children and adult readers.