The Cat Returns Picture Book

The Cat Returns Picture Book is based on the charming film of the same title. The underlying story is of a young girl's coming-of-age. This picture book is adapted from the original graphic novel by Aoi Hiragi. The film is directed by Ghibli animator Hiroyuki Morita (Hayao Miyazaki is also involved in it as the executive producer).The story centers around Haru, a young teenager who feels like she is a misfit at her school, with only one really good friend. In the book, there is an introductory page before the actual story, where the main players/ characters are introduced. It is explained that Haru is a cheerful girl but lacks confidence, which might explain why she has such a hard time at school. The book also has a section (at the beginning) explaining the secrets of the Cat Kingdom, the cats who serve the king, cat favorites (food), and mysterious tools (The Warp Hole and The Cat's Eye).Haru soon finds herself embroiled in some peculiar goings-on - she rescues a cat from being run over by a truck and to her amazement, the cat thanks her verbally! That same night, Haru is visited by the King of Cats and his entourage, and is informed that she will make a good daughter-in-law for his son, the Prince of Cats.Reeling from this encounter, Haru discovers to her horror that the cats mean business when she arrives in school to find some bizarre 'gifts' - hundreds of wrapped presents containing live mice! Haru then hears a voice that asks her to find The Cat Bureau, and makes her way to a store (with the aid of an overlarge white cat named Muta) where she meets an elegant and charming cat named Baron von Gikkengen. The rest of the story focuses on the Baron's attempts to rescue Haru after she is kidnapped by the King of Cat's henchmen and kept prisoner in the Cat Kingdom.I loved the underlying theme which addresses self-esteem and trying to find one's 'voice', universal themes which many adolescents struggle with. My seven-year-old daughter might not have appreciated nor understood this theme, but she loved the rich visuals. It is a story that can be appreciated by readers of all ages on different levels. "The Cat Returns" is charming with an engaging plot and interesting characters. The end of the book features lyrics to the theme song of The Cat Returns - Kaze ni Naru (Like the Breeze).

The quality of this book is amazing. Built very sturdy with amazing paper. The colors are perfect and the layout of the book is on point. I highly recommend this book.

We purchased all of the Studio Ghibili Picture books. Our 2 1/2 year old daughter absolutely loves them. The books are set up perfectly for little ones with lots of pictures, big words, and broken into chapters perfect for reading the book at bedtime over a week. She loves all of the stories and being able to follow along with the multiple pictures per page (somewhat like a comic book).

My daughter loved this movie, it is her all time favorite movie. I bought the book for her for Christmas, and she was excited, until she opened the book up and the first 15 pages of the book were all folded. I guess when they boxed and shipped it they did not realize the pages had folded in on their-selves, and I did not notice until Christmas when she unwrapped it. Was going to send it back and get a replacement, but she does not want me to for fear of not getting it back.

got this for daughter because she's obsessed with cats! she loves it!

This is one of my daughter's favorite movies! The pictures are straight from the movie, it's just like reading the movie! I can't wait to see her face when she gets this at her 5th birthday party!!

The Studio Gibli Books are top quality and loved by my kids. They will be a part of their book collection for a long time. I am hoping all of the Gibli movies will eventually be available in hardcover form.

My four year old is enchanted with this book. She can sit through the whole story and even argues with me over who's turn it is to do the reading! it is magical.

This is my favourite Studio Ghibli movie, and this book is beautifully laid out. =^..^=

Excellpent product high quality bravo !

A very good picture book. I like the layout and the quality of the book.

i bought it as a gift for my daughter she loved it and she has the dvd to go with it plenty of beautiful illustrations a beautiful book for anyone to enjoy

thanks