“Sushi, it’s my birthday! I’m so excited. Mama is taking me to Mrs. Takahara’s Bakery this afternoon to buy my birthday treat. A big, chocolate cupcake. With a huge swirl of whipped cream. And then a strawberry on top. But you can’t come, Sushi. Cats aren’t allowed.”
All day, Ella talks about the cupcake. The strawberry. AND the swirl of whipped cream.
Sushi the Cat was first inspired when I lived alone in Japan years ago. The Japanese people helped me when I became lost and felt very small. On several occasions, a kind stranger led me through a maze of tunnels to help me find the right train. Overwhelmed by the Japanese code of respect, I wondered, How far would I go to show kindness to a stranger?
LEARNING TO PUT OTHERS FIRST
One test of honor came decades later while watching a Thanksgiving parade with my grandchildren. We eagerly grabbed the candy tossed from the floats. But halfway through, I realized that the children behind us hadn’t gotten any candy. Their culture taught them to stand politely and stay within their boundaries. My lack of awareness of others saddened me. So, my grandchildren and I gathered more candy to share with these children.
In Sushi the Cat, a friendship develops through mishaps and adventures that finally unite Ella and her cat, Sushi. Ella starts out by relating to Sushi according to what she prefers to do. But in the end, Ella learns how to put Sushi’s needs before her own.
Like Ella, we can learn how to help others feel loved, valued, and appreciated, no matter what differences separate us. By sharing the best part of her birthday treat with her cat, Ella shows honor and respect for Sushi. When interacting with others, it’s important to show that we care through our actions—big and small.
See Sushi the Cat at ArtPrize
September 14 to October 1, 2023
Courage & Soar, 40 Monroe Center St, Ste 104, Grand Rapids
Thank you for purchasing and reading Sushi the Cat. If you found value in reading about honor and respect, please consider sharing the book with friends and leaving a review online. Your feedback and support are appreciated.
Click here for further educational and DIY projects on respect and friendship.
