Oh, it’s good to be back, albeit a bit under the weather. But nasty cold aside, I’d like to share a recent library find. How could I resist those eyes? That topknot?
Are you looking for something “fresh?” A book about cats, sumo wrestling, and never giving up just might qualify. Seriously.
Let’s start with a look at the gorgeous end papers. Hmmm. Traditional zen garden image set against the kitty jacket flap. Hmmm. If you look closely, a tiny mouse scampers through the gravel on the far right.
text/illustration ⓒDavid Biedrzycky
What could possibly come next?
text/illustration ⓒDavid Biedrzycky
More traditional, gorgeous images—but wait! There’s that cat chasing mice. And a sprinkling of wise sayings: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” (Pay attention writers. Just begin.)
The next spread offers more of the same, this time with sayings about experts making mistakes and never giving up. On the third spread, we reach the title page.
And then the narrative finally begins:
text/illustration ⓒDavid Biedrzycky
Yes, the story is really about the culture of sumo wrestling and never giving up. That homeless cat on the roof behind the main scene? His story parallels that of the sumo.
“It is said that the yokozuna can defeat his opponent by just staring deep into his eyes.
I am nothing like him.
I am…
a kitty.
A hungry stray kitty. I will go anywhere for food.”
Kitty follows the wrestlers back to their heya, the place where they practice, sleep….and EAT!
Although one of the wrestlers, Kuma, takes the cat in, kitty soon learns that he must earn his keep by catching stray mice (He eats with the wrestlers, too). Kitty eats so much, he grows fat and discovers that the mice not only have made a comeback, they’ve taken over. And now Kitty is so out of shape, he can no longer catch mice. So he gets evicted, in the same manner that Kuma gets tossed out of the wrestling circle by the yokozuna(the grand champion wrestler).
Those are dark days, my friend, when a cat who’s grown accustomed to being pampered indoors must fend for himself OUTSIDE. Kitty has been humbled by the mice, just as Kuma has been humbled by the yokozuna . So kitty practices nonstop, even more than Kuma, until he is ready once again to face off with the mice. In the end, Kuma must also wrestle the yokozuna.
I love the parallel structure and how the author mixes a fictional story with nonfiction elements, including Japanese terms, their explanation, and phonetic pronunciation throughout the text. This is a great book for kids to learn about sumo culture in a fun and engaging way. The illustrations are also a mix of traditional compositions and comic book style vignettes, an interesting choice for a single book.
I am curious, though, about Sox, the original Sumokitty on the back endpaper. What’s his story?
text/photo ⓒDavid Biedrzycky
Activities/Resources:
Make origami sumo wrestlers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgrOXSlBcSc
Make origami cats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqB3zMJXG28
Learn more about Japan: https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/language/index.html
If focusing on the persistence theme, pair with other books about perseverance. Here are a few options:
Title: Sumokitty
Author/Illustrator: David Biedrzycki
Publisher: Charlesbridge, 2019
Age: K-3rd
Themes: cats, sumo wrestling culture, never giving up
For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s blog.
Jilanne Hoffmann 
Thanks for sharing this. My expectation from the name of the book was completely different from the beauty inside. Looks like there’s a lot of layers to think about.
Yes, it reminded me a little of the Jon Muth Zen stories. And the kitty is sweet and funny as depicted in the illustrations.
What an interesting find! Looks like there’s a lot to see & savor in this picture book. Hope you feel better soon!
Thanks, Patricia! I’m improving.It’s one of those stories where the engaging fun carries a deeper story. I was surprised.
This book is mighty irresistible!!
I must admit I’m a sucker for cute cats, but was pleased to find there were more layers to this story.
I found this book to be fun as well. As a mentor text, it’s construction is tantalizing. As a “subtle” introduction to another culture, tucked into the story of sumo wrestlers, it is a wonderful story to get kids learning & thinking about cultural differences. Great review, too!
Thanks, Maria! I just saw someone recommend this book to a 12×12 member who was looking for books with front matter. I find this really unusual, and think it works if you’re the author/illustrator. Or maybe if you already have a track record, you could sub a story where the narrative doesn’t start until later. Note that this is a 48-page PB.
I have been watching David post pics of this for a while on FB so I am happy to see a review. What a clever amount of layering in this story. There are so many ways this could be used in the classroom. I love he front cover too.
I’ll have to take a look at his FB page. I thought you’d like the kitty aspect. Planning to take any fosters in soon?
What a great front cover — it speaks volumes and you want to listen. Like Joanne, I like the parallel layers and an introduction to a sport and culture few children are familiar with. Great find!
It found me, staring me down from the top of a library bookshelf, LOL. I think it’s really well done.
I love the looks and sound of this book. I put it on hold at my library. Thanks for sharing the fun.
My pleasure! I always love it when a book calls out to me from a shelf.
What an intriguing mix of ideas, its a way into more exploration of both Japan and the ways of kitty. That front cover is worth the money all by itself.
You sound like a cat person, LOL. In any case, it’s a great book! Add it to your “futures” list. Cheers!
I am buying this one…
Haven’t told peeps, but I am trying my hand at writing a picture book!
Go for it!