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Talk To Kids About the Hard Things
The Happiest Cat in the World follows a homeless dreaming cat who imagines what it is like to live each day in the lap of luxury while in dreamland. What was the inspiration for your story?
In the beginning, I was creating a completely different story in Japanese. I never imagined I would publish a picture book in United States. But one day, when I trying to wrap up the Japanese story, I suddenly got the idea of this book in my head.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Freedom. It’s a complicated topic. If someone said “I will give you freedom” then sometimes it ends up being that person subverts your freedom, without you even knowing. Sometimes freedom can create selfishness or careless…. It’s complicated, but personally, I believe freedom and a little bit of restriction are not in conflict and can mean the best version of freedom. I know some people think it’s too early to teach or share important topics with little children, but I don’t think so. I believe little kids understand things much more than we adults know. Also, I think it’s important to let your kids have a habit of contemplating hard or impossible things so they can find the answer. I have a feeling that the materialistic society of today is coming to an end and that a new era will begin in the not-too-distant future. And I believe that it is the generation of today’s young children who will take the lead in taking on the challenge of this new era. I thought I wanted to share my ideas with everyone in the hope of I can help little children in the future even a little bit.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing and illustrating?
All the scenes where the cat is enjoying freedom. That is what I want my kids to have in the future and for everyone else in this world to have in the future.
However, the reality is that a lot of people don’t have it right now.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I don’t think I will make it series. But I’m sure I will share another story when it’s ready.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the publishers, BookBildr and Eliza. They made my first published picture book wonderful.
Author Links: Book Review
The purpose of this story is to prompt children to contemplate freedom and animal welfare, particularly given the swift changes happening in the world today. In this picture book, I endeavor to depict both the dreams and the reality of the cat’s life. In its dreams, the cat is free, happy, and has everything it needs for a comfortable and happy life. But the cat’s reality is very different.
While the cat remains unaware of its circumstances, readers can comprehend its situation. By mentally substituting “the cat” with “a human being,” the author hopes to encourage children to ponder freedom and how to attain it.
The story emphasizes that almost anything is possible if one refuses to give up.
The Happiest Cat in the World
Prepare to be swept into the thought-provoking world of The Happiest Cat in the World. This charming picture book by Chiyuki Krider introduces us to a cat who believes it is living in the lap of luxury with endless freedom, food, and fun. The catch? It’s all a dream. Our feline friend lives a starkly different reality, surviving on the unpredictable kindness of strangers. This story elegantly dances on the line between dreams and reality, encouraging young readers and adults alike to reflect on the concepts of freedom and happiness, sparking reflection and engagement.
Krider uses the cat’s innocent perspective to delve into heavy themes such as autonomy and the harshness of life without becoming too heavy for its intended audience. The way the cat narrates its imagined freedoms juxtaposed with its real-life struggles adds a layer of poignant irony. You can’t help but hope for the cat’s dreams to somehow become reality, even as the book subtly hints at the impossibility of such an outcome.
Visually, the book is just as impactful. The illustrations, also crafted by Krider, are charming hand-drawn sketches that reflect the simplicity of the narrative. The straightforward style fits beautifully with the narrative’s nature.
By using a cat’s perspective to explore the theme of freedom, Krider invites young readers to consider what freedom means to them. It’s a great way to introduce such a complex idea to children, making it relatable and understandable through the eyes of an animal. The story’s end, tinged with a bittersweet note as we come to terms with the cat’s reality, invites discussion and reflection, making it an excellent book for parents and teachers to explore with their kids.
The Happiest Cat in the World is a gentle exploration of dreams versus reality through the eyes of a hopeful cat. This children’s book would be an excellent addition to any young reader’s library, especially for those who love animals or need a thoughtful nudge to discuss deeper topics.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0D33NMRNK
LITERARY TITAN 