The Good Luck Cat

The Good Luck Cat. Joy Harjo. Illus. by Paul Lee. San Diego: Harcourt, Inc., 2000. 32 pages. $16.00 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-15-232197-7. Grades K-3.

Reminds Me Of...

Every cat book that I read reminds me of one of my childhood favorites: Six-Dinner Sid by Inga Moore. Although Sid’s nine lives weren’t talked about, his appetite sure was, and if people think Woogie is lovable, I am sure they will feel the same way about Sid. The good luck of Woogie in The Good Luck Catalso reminded me of the magic of the stuffed pigeon in Louise Erdrich’s Grandmother’s Pigeon. This story also has roots in Native American culture and it makes a miracle happen through an unlikely and seemingly impossible animal. I was also reminded of Hero Cat by Eileen Spinelli. This cat may not give good luck to others, but she certainly is lucky. This mother cat loses her home and is forced to have her kittens in an abandoned garage. Unfortunately she returns to see the building is on fire and she risks her life to save them. The love the narrator has for Woogie reminds me of the love Hero Cat had for her babies, and both cats are equally devout and lovable characters. The loyalty and love of Woogie and her owner also kind of reminded me of Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog by Pamela S. Turner. In addition to featuring a strong animal (domestic, pet) this story also showed how one dog would always come back even when his master didn't need him. Granted, Woogie's owner was calling, but I think Woogie would have come any way because he was a luck cat. Oh, and if we are just looking for books about interesting cats let's add Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein to the list! This cat is curious, brave, and smart.