“Whenever he found himself alone he drew cats. He drew them on the margins of the Priest’s books, and on all the screens of the temple, and the walls, and the pillars. Several times the Priest told him this was not right, but the boy did not stop drawing cats, he drew them because he really could not help it.”

A quote from the 15th century legend, The Boy Who Drew Cats.

The Boy Who Drew Cats is a Japanese fairy tale originally taken from a 15th century legend. It was first published in 1898.

The Boy Who Drew Cats has been retold, and adapted over the years by many authors and illustrators. For this episode I use the adaptation of Margaret Hodges. This book is easily found on Amazon and other book sellers.

As in all good fairy tales, the protagonist, who is this young boy that cannot stop drawing cats, experiences a life changing challenge. It is not possible for him to live on the farm and work the farm with his family. Nor is he successful in his studies for the priesthood.

What was once his greatest flaw becomes his greatest advantage—saving his life, the temple and the village.

The book I chose was adapted by Margaret Hodges for Holiday House Publishers. Aki Sogabe beautifully illustrates this book. She is herself a famous artist, and a perfect choice to illustrate these words.

If you want to add The Boy Who Drew Cats to your book collection, I recommend this book because of Aki’s illustrations.

Book Details

Title: The Boy Who Drew Cats

ISBN: 0-8234-1594-5

Author: Margaret Hodges

Publisher: Holiday House

Illustrator: Aki Sogabe

A Few Illustrations from the Book.

Production Details

Sound effects are from Audio Jungle

Music is Swagger Move from Melody Loops

Recorded on RODE NT1A Mic

Edited in Audacity

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Cheers to cats, hot tea, excellent writers, and good story telling. Thanks for listening.