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Overview
Sara loves her grandmother's bakery. It's a special place-not only because of its delicious Japanese buns and pastries. She enjoys spending time with her obaachan, her grandmother. But things aren't going well for the bakery. When the bakery's lucky cat statue goes missing, Sara wonders if the bakery's luck is gone for good. But then a mysterious cat appears in the backyard one night and inspires a plan. With the help of her friend, Jake, Sara just might find the statue and restore the bakery's lost luck.Editorials
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"[Has a] tightly focused plot, well supported by a manageable cast of characters...Will fit nicely into reading programs as well as offering newly independent readers [an] engaging option for first chapterbook reads."Southwest Ohio and Neighboring Libraries (SWON)
"This ready-for-chapter books story is great for the young reader. Using a Japanese icon as the subject of the mystery was an ingenious concept as it pulls a multicultural aspect into the storyline. The simple plot and the humorous conclusion are well written...Another great addition for the elementary library."Resource Links
"Short chapters and nicely detailed pencil illustrations by Leanne Franson will definitely keep even reluctant readers turning pages. Recommended."Canadian Teacher
"A wonderfully warm and clever book...The chapters are short and fast-paced. There is suspense or mystery with a hint of magic...The story is a great introduction to many facets of Japanese culture, and the pictures reinforce the sense of immersion. Well done!"Booklist
"This beginning chapter book ably portrays the two main characters and the bond between them. In a nicely handled subplot, an actual cat makes mysterious appearances and eventually leads to the finding of Maneki Neko...The mystery's resolution is far more realistic than one usually finds in books for young children. Readers new to chapter books will find this paperback, with its many full-page drawings, a good place to start."Children's Literature -
Every day after school, Sara goes to her grandmother's Japanese bakery. As she opens the door of the bakery, she is greeted by the wonderful aroma of freshly baked buns. Every day as Sara enters the bakery, she is also greeted by Maneki Neko, the lucky cat statue who sits in the window. But today, Maneki Neko is missing. Along with the cat being gone, the grandmother's luck seems to be missing. The bakery is struggling to survive and may have to close its door soon. Sara enlists the help of her best friend, Jake, to find the lucky cat statue and try to save the bakery. They come up with a plan to put up posters for the cat statue and to offer free pastries as reward for any information. The plan brings in a lot of customers, which helps save the bakery. In the end, a real cat that looks like the statue cat leads Jake to the statue. This chapter book is written for young readers who are ready to tackle longer books. The delightful illustrations assist young readers and draw in reluctant readers. The book's pacing is quick and the plot is easy to follow, yet it is a real page turner as the reader wants to find out how the two mysteries will be solved: What happened to the statue? And will the bakery be saved? Reviewer: Carollyne HutterBook Details
Published
May 1, 2011
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Pages
64
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9781554693962