The Boy Who Drew Cats

A humorous narrative voice and careful ink-and-watercolor illustrations make this an engaging retelling of a classic Japanese legend. After being shuttled off to a temple by his parents, Akiro tries to train as a priest, but he doesn’t last long. After the priest tells him he lacks the temperament for that role, “Akiro did not know what a temperament was, but he realized he was being told to leave.” The climactic battle in which the cats Akiro obsessively draws save him from a goblin rat is suspenseful and just a tad gruesome. An enjoyable reminder that seemingly pointless talents and preoccupations can bear unexpected fruit. Ages 5–up. (May)