The Boy Who Drew Cats is a charming Japanese folktale retold by Anushka Ravishankar, with enchanting watercolor and ink illustrations by Christine Kastl. Published by Karadi Tales, an Indian children’s publication, this story brings the essence of Japanese culture and its values to young readers in an imaginative way.
The book tells the story of Akio, a young boy who is deeply passionate about drawing cats. Whether he has food, mud, sticks, or ink, Akio’s favorite pastime is drawing cats wherever he can. The illustrations, beautifully done in watercolors and ink, bring Akio’s world to life and reflect traditional Japanese art styles. Each page vibrates with color and artistry, enhancing the folktale’s magic.
Through Akio’s journey, the story subtly conveys themes of dedication, the importance of practice, and the idea that perfection is not always the goal—rather, it’s about following one’s passion and respecting one’s teachers or gurus. The tale is steeped in Japanese beliefs, presenting values that children can learn from and appreciate.
Overall, The Boy Who Drew Cats is not just a story; it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and the timeless beauty of folk wisdom. This book is ideal for children who are drawn to art and stories that transport them to different cultural worlds.
