Buy new:
$7.99
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$7.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 15. Order within 2 hrs 5 mins
In Stock
$$7.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$7.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$6.98
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, May 20 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 15. Order within 17 hrs 5 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$7.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$7.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Cat Who Went to Heaven Paperback – January 8, 2008

by Elizabeth Coatsworth (Author), Raoul Vitale (Illustrator)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 443 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$7.99","priceAmount":7.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"7","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"oxCNFbGTjnukOJvZY1cNzK0Wd93vhmbO%2BsbiOMbbow4ZeQTgxE5qj09qMhXqAOnO1lH6G%2F6JvgF%2F6rU3DYADkZ4lvWkMu8rzW7e0BGcE%2BnwyrSWGbtrVFSdBmGk9bQsNJZPl8A%2Bgkfk%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$6.98","priceAmount":6.98,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"6","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"98","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"oxCNFbGTjnukOJvZY1cNzK0Wd93vhmbOykJ%2BxsZTMXs%2FO4PPWs2xGOoZuIt8a88CuOtG6vcVgMo1%2BvLhlGJwxxJOKYP%2F1rqNmgXkVC%2BxMRE6x8HLfP9o0KBvly0CACsql1rP7LX22fhy1M6NXZQNeIe%2BQxgH9TvzUteF8ds%2F8oyU8jjfsT0sHjesAWJ%2BJlZf","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

A Newberry Medal Winner

This timeless fable has been a classic since its first publication in 1930, and this beautifully reillustrated edition brings the magic and wonder of the tale to a new generation of readers.

In ancient Japan, a struggling artist is angered when his housekeeper brings home a tiny white cat he can barely afford to feed. But when the village’s head priest commissions a painting of the Buddha for a healthy sum, the artist softens toward the animal he believes has brought him luck.

According to legend, the proud and haughty cat was denied the Buddha’s blessing for refusing to accept his teachings and pay him homage. So when the artist, moved by compassion for his pet, includes the cat in his painting, the priest rejects the work and decrees that it must be destroyed. It seems the artist’s life is ruined as well—until he is rewarded for his act of love by a Buddhist miracle.
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    96 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Lexile measure
    1000L
  6. Dimensions
    5.13 x 0.4 x 7.63 inches
  7. Publisher
    Aladdin
  8. Publication date
    January 8, 2008
  9. ISBN-10
    1416949739
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1416949732
  11. See all details
Next page
Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Frequently bought together

The Cat Who Went to Heaven
$7.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
El Deafo: A Graphic Novel
$9.89
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Wish Giver: Three Tales of Coven Tree
$6.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth was a writer of fiction and poetry for children and adults. She won the 1931 Newbery Medal from the American Library Association award recognizing The Cat Who Went to Heaven as the previous year's "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Aladdin; 3rd edition (January 8, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 96 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1416949739
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1416949732
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1000L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.13 x 0.4 x 7.63 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 443 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth

Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
443 global ratings
Rear cover of this edition has spoilers
3 Stars
Rear cover of this edition has spoilers
This is, as far as the text is concerned, one of my all-time favorite books -- as moving for me today as it was when I was a child. I bought this edition as a gift, resigning myself to doing without the superior Ward illustrations of the older edition. But now that this edition has arrived and I've had a chance to look at it, I'm actually just going to put it in the "donate" bin.Why? The rear cover provides a plot summary that shouts out spoilers for three of the four major events of the book, including the climactic events of the final chapters. It's rather like buying an edition of "Hound of the Baskervilles" and having the rear cover say "Detective Holmes solves the riddle of the spectral hound, and shows that it was all a scheme devised by Stapleton."
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Henry T. Sadowski
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book For Adults and Children
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is one of my favorite books. It's about faith, compassion, and tolerance. There is a one star review here by someone who obviously didn't read the book because they got the facts of the story wrong. I don't know why this person dislikes this book so much, but please ignore that review if you see it.
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Telperien
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Perfect
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2012
Verified Purchase
I first came across this delightful book as a child, and fell in love with it. I was then given a copy as my 21st birthday present from friends, and have read it to my 4 children . I look forward to sharing it with grandchildren. I have now purchased the Kindle edition to have a copy available wherever I go.
The book is clearly and simply written with a great deal of charm . The story is heartbreakingly sad and sweet - have tissues handy when reading (or even talking about ) this book.
The story is of a poor artist in China, who lives with his old housekeeper. The housekeeper is lonely, and so brings home a little cat from the market. The artist is initially resentful (there is little enough to eat as it is), but is won over by the cat's beauty and humbleness . Owing to the cat's prayers to Buddha, the artist receives a commission from the Temple to depict the death of the Buddha in a painting. In the course of doing the painting, he spends much time considering Buddha's actions and words, and finds inspiration in Buddha's compassion. He is moved to an act of great kindness, but there are consequences for every action.
10 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Rivergal916
5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic for children and adults
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2010
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful book that I've read since I was a child, and appreciate it so much more as an adult. It tells the story of a poor artist who received a commission to create a painting of the Buddha, and the story unfolds of the animals who were blessed by the Buddha. Interwoven into this story is his relationship with a cat, who, by her actions, challenges the common lore that cats, because of their independent nature, would not bow to the Buddha, and were forbidden from entering heaven.

This simple story contains lessons about values, tradition, stereotypes, holding true to one's personal beliefs even at the risk of failure and non-conformity. And it shows how fate and miracles can change one's life and return good fortune.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
would-be tai' chi master
4.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2013
Verified Purchase
Cute children's book. Has both happy and sad moments. I might donate it to my son's school. Shows that we need to accept someone's ideas even when they break our perceived ideas. Helps us remember that compassion is the key!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Silky Seams
5.0 out of 5 stars I first read this book when I was 7 and loved it then and even now at 36!
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2012
Verified Purchase
I picked up this book at my school library when I was about 7 years old. Back then I read anything with an award sticker on the cover. Usually, I was guaranteed a good read. This book was sad and happy at the same time. I remember crying when I read it when I was little, and I even teared up now as an adult at 36. It's a bitter sweet story and it makes you appreciate the little things. I can't say exactly why I loved it except I did and still do. I think I appreciate that a children's book wasn't just about boogers or nonsense. So, if you want a good story pick this up. But the ending is very sad (and happy) but I don't recommend it for children who are too sensitive or very young.
9 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Stephanie Dee
5.0 out of 5 stars A timeless story
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2013
Verified Purchase
I first read this children's book in the 1950's and never forgot its very beautiful story about the real meaning of love and compassion. The original illustrations are still lovely even today. In many ways this is a story for adults, much like The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Twomey.
The three main characters of the story are a very poor artist, his devoted old housekeeper and the little cat she brings to the artist's home because she cannot leave it to starve. No matter how many times I have read this book I always find my eyes full of tears. It is one of the most memorable books I have ever read.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
James Sparks
3.0 out of 5 stars This is a strange little book
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2008
Verified Purchase
The Cat Who Went to Heaven, won the Newbery medal in 1931. After reading the book I'm left with one question, Were there no better books that year?

The book is largely based upon an Eastern Fable that has been around for centuries. The book reads like a fable, you don't know the names of the main characters (except the cat), and it has a strong religious undercurrent.

I thought about the plot and the time period in which it was first published. I imagine a great many children new what it was to be in want in 1930 in the beginnings of the great depression. So I imagine that for the artist to do what his heart knew to be right against what his head told him, probably was a very liberating story for the children reading it for the first time.

Also, I'm not Buddhist and know very little about the religion, thought it totally hilarious that the cat didn't bow down to Buddha. I have a cat and it's the most self-absorbed proud animal I know. I read this saying on a sign once,"Dogs have masters, Cats have servants." How true.

I gave the book three stars because I thought it was an ok book, just not a great book. I found the poems by the housekeeper in the book to be the best part. I have read several newbery books, and this one didn't hit the same standard that the others set for a newbery medal book.
9 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Katt978
5.0 out of 5 stars A classic book to share with your children!
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2013
Verified Purchase
I remember reading this book in the 4th or 5th grade and it was the first book that ever broke my heart! It's got a very sad ending, so beware! I recently shared this book with my 7 year old who loved it as well! My daughter was learning about China at school, so this was the perfect at-home-addition to her lessons. I'm not sure if it's because kids grow up faster now, but my daughter wasn't as heartborken by the ending as I was when I was as child. Either way, it's a classic book that both parent and child will enjoy!
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Pablo Guerrero
5.0 out of 5 stars Conmovedor
Reviewed in Mexico on April 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
Es una linda historia llena de compasión, te saca algunas lágrimas.
Report
Mrs. E. Clark-Emmons
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful.
Reviewed in Canada on May 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
I read this story as a child, in grade four and it stuck with me my entire life, (I'm 50+ now). It's my favorite story and I really believe it helped form who I am as a person. Just beautiful and it stirs so many feelings.
Report
FN
5.0 out of 5 stars About the Book
Reviewed in Japan on April 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
Hi! I read this book and it was a good book. I kind of felt sorry for the cat when it cried by mewing because the cat was sad. This book has an interesting part because it has some songs that the housekeeper wrote. All of them were interesting but my favorite one was “The Fifth Song Of The Housekeeper” because it used some interesting figurative language and sounded like a poem.
I suggest to read the back of the book first before you start reading the book because you’ll get to know a little bit about the story and understand the book a little bit more.
I am about 8 years old by the way.
Bye!
Customer image
FN
5.0 out of 5 stars About the Book
Reviewed in Japan on April 25, 2024
Hi! I read this book and it was a good book. I kind of felt sorry for the cat when it cried by mewing because the cat was sad. This book has an interesting part because it has some songs that the housekeeper wrote. All of them were interesting but my favorite one was “The Fifth Song Of The Housekeeper” because it used some interesting figurative language and sounded like a poem.
I suggest to read the back of the book first before you start reading the book because you’ll get to know a little bit about the story and understand the book a little bit more.
I am about 8 years old by the way.
Bye!
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
Report
Ela Kowalski
5.0 out of 5 stars Kindness
Reviewed in Australia on March 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
A great little book for children and adults alike
Report
5.0 out of 5 stars A Gentle Story a Powerful Message
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 1, 2016
Verified Purchase
A pleasant story if rather short. I think what the author is trying to say, and doing it very well, is that God, Buddha or whoever you conceive him to be, will decide who is acceptable and who is not. So often as human beings, particularly those of us that are religious,seem to think that we can sit in judgement on the rest . We don't judge anybody, that is not our place, the almighty will do that in the fullness of time. This story is saying, in so many words, follow your heart, do what is right , and let God decide the rest.
One person found this helpful
 Report