Why a Booktrail?
2000s: Cats and books – what more could you ask for?
The Cat Who Saved Books
What you need to know before your trail
Natsuki Books was a tiny second-hand bookshop on the edge of town. Inside, towering shelves reached the ceiling, every one crammed full of wonderful books. Rintaro Natsuki loved this space that his grandfather had created. He spent many happy hours there, reading whatever he liked. It was the perfect refuge for a boy who tended to be something of a recluse.
After the death of his grandfather, Rintaro is devastated and alone. It seems he will have to close the shop. Then, a talking tabby cat called Tiger appears and asks Rintaro for help. The cat needs a book lover to join him on a mission. This odd couple will go on three magical adventures to save books from people who have imprisoned, mistreated and betrayed them. Finally, there is one last rescue that Rintaro must attempt alone . .
Travel Guide
Bookshops and cats in Japan
This book is set in Japan but there are no locations as such – just the bookshop but then that is enough isn’t it! The author is from Nagano however so this is the map.
Some lovely quotes about books and cats:
“Suddenly the cat spoke
‘ Books have a soul’
‘ A book that sits on a shelf is nothing but a bundle of paper. Un less it is opened, a book possessing great power an epic story is a mere scrap of paper. but a book that has been cherished and loved , filled with human thoughts has been endowed with a soul”
“Books can’t live your life for you. The reader who forgets to walk on his own two feet is like an old encyclopaedia, his head stuffed with out-of-date information. Unless someone else opens it up, it’s nothing but a useless antique.”
“I think the power of books is that – that they teach us to care about others. It’s a power that gives people courage and also supports them in turn. [. . .] Empathy – that’s the power of books.”
BookTrail Boarding Pass: The Cat Who Saved Books
Destination/Location: Japan Author: Sosuke Natsukawa Departure: 2000s
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