Abstract

Cats know they are loved, even though they may not look that way. Cats like being alone because it allows them to be themselves. When people feel lonely or find being alone painful, it's because they can't be themselves. I am me, and I can't be anything else. Cats live freely, enjoying each moment to the fullest, just as they are. We humans, who compare ourselves to others, get disappointed or depressed, and hesitate to honestly accept ourselves, are reminded of the happiness of "being ourselves" through the example of cats. "Humans have many moments in life when they have to 'reset' themselves. Cats are very good at resetting themselves," says the author, Shohmei Ha. Shohmei Ha, who has lived his life with 14 cats, presents a beautiful picture book with adorable cat illustrations that speaks to us about the happiness of living.

Author’s Information

Born in Kumamoto City in 1946. Picture book author, painter, and poet. Debuted with the picture book "A White Bird on My Bench" (Shikōsha). Opened the Yō Shomei Museum in 1991. His works include "The Wind and the Hail" (Aiikusha), "Please Give Me Flowers, Not Landmines" (written by Fusako Yanase/Jiyū Kokuminsha), "The Day I Became a Mother" (Shin Nihon Shuppansha), "Little Santa," "Little Buddha," "The Dolphin's Star," "The World of Light," "Voice from Space," "Rainbow Bridge," "Pinak the Polar Bear," "That Day," "The Orange Penguin," and "Fly! James, the Orange Penguin" (all from Kosei Shuppansha), among many others. He continues his creative activities on the theme of all kinds of issues on Earth, including the human heart.