Abstract

Haru-kun's pet cat is named "Guutara" (meaning "lazy"). As its name suggests, Guutara is always lazy, yet it is praised for everything it does, from yawning with "Cute!" to eating its food with "Good job!". Sometimes Haru-kun envies Guutara. One day, Haru-kun's cherished keychain goes missing, and he takes Guutara with him to search for it— This picture book, written by popular picture book author Higashi Chikara, who is also known as a cat lover, charmingly depicts the peaceful daily life of a boy and his cat, using his own elderly cat, with whom he has lived for many years, as a model. After reading it, you will feel even more affection for your own cat. [Publisher's comment] Higashi Chikara is popular for his picture books that vividly depict the sensibilities of children, but he is also known as a cat lover, posting about his daily life with his three rescue cats on social media. This is Higashi's first cat picture book, depicting the heartwarming relationship between a child and their pet cat. Enjoy the poses and expressions overflowing with love for cats down to the smallest detail, and the ending that will make everyone smile.

Author’s Information

Born in Oita Prefecture in 1972. Graduated from the Department of Visual Communication Design, School of Art and Design, University of Tsukuba. Her picture book works include "Riding on a Ferryboat," "My Way Home," "How Old Are You Now?" (all from BL Publishing), "My Airplane" (Goblin Shobo), "Yukiko-chan's Revenge" (Kaiseisha), and "Picking You Up" (Kosei Publishing), among many others. Her illustrations include "The Silent Rabbit and the Talkative Rabbit" (Kaiseisha) and "The Witch's Cursed Candy" (PHP Institute). She has lived with cats for 25 years. After saying goodbye to two cats, she currently lives with three rescue cats (two black and white bicolor cats and one long-haired brown and white bicolor cat). All three are 15 years old this year.