SumoKitty
By David Biedrzycki
Illustrated by David Biedrzycki
By David Biedrzycki
Illustrated by David Biedrzycki
By David Biedrzycki
Illustrated by David Biedrzycki
By David Biedrzycki
Illustrated by David Biedrzycki
Category: Children's Books
Category: Children's Books
-
$18.99
Aug 13, 2019 | ISBN 9781580896825 | 5-8 years
-
Aug 13, 2019 | ISBN 9781632898265 | 5-8 years
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Children’s Book of Philosophy
A Mouse Called Julian
Frostfire
The Storyteller
Meena’s Saturday
Minecraft: The Village
Scaredy Squirrel Gets Festive
Never Thirteen
Bear in a Bathrobe
Praise
A furry feline has sumo-sized aspirations in this Japan-set tale. A stray black-and-white kitty with round emerald eyes watches a sumo match from afar and then follows a group of rikishi back to the heya, where the pickings are good. Caught by the manager of the training center, the feline narrator is offered a place to stay: “Kuma is afraid of mice. Can you get rid of them?” The arrangement hits a snag when the Kitty’s weight gain affects its efficiency as a mouser and it is turned out of the heya. Dejected, Kitty gives up until Kuma quietly offers encouragement: “The cat that does not cry catches the mouse.” Kuma and Kitty are shown in action side by side, showcasing their parallel use of sumo moves. Japanese terms are defined, with pronunciation guides, next to the text: “shiko (shee-koh): leg stomp.” While Kitty finds the strength to reclaim its place and is deemed SumoKitty, Kuma now must face his own fear of mice in order to overcome his biggest sumo opponent. Kitty’s straightforward narration is set against comically charming illustrations that evoke scenes from classic Japanese woodblock art. Extensive research is expressed in both the inclusion of Japanese terms and the detailed illustrations. However, the inclusion of the Indian spiritual practice of yoga as part of the rikishi’s training regimen seems unlikely given sumo’s own deeply traditional and spiritual nature. SumoKitty’s antics delight despite a muffed cultural detail.
—Kirkus Reviews
“. . . deceptively simple. . .”
—School Library Journal
Awards
Kid’s Indie Next List “Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers” RECOMMENDED 2019
21 Books You’ve Been Meaning to Read
Just for joining you’ll get personalized recommendations on your dashboard daily and features only for members.
Find Out More Join Now Sign In