The Cat Who Saved Books: The heartwarming first title in the bestselling Japanese series – a must for book lovers everywhere

A cosy, heartwarming story about finding courage, caring for others and the tremendous power of books. Translated from Japanese, The Cat Who Saved Books is the international bestseller from Sosuke Natsukawa.

'Enchanting' – The Observer

Grandpa used to say it all the time: books have tremendous power. But what is that power really?

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 . . .

Sosuke Natsukawa’s international bestseller, translated from Japanese by Louise Heal Kawai, is a life-affirming story for those for whom books are so much more than words on paper. The series continues with The Cat Who Saved the Library.

People love The Cat Who Saved Books:

‘I felt like I'd fallen into a Studio Ghibli film’

‘Beautifully narrated’

‘I am utterly in love with this book’

‘It was cosy, comfy, deep and profound all at the same time’

© 2021 Picador (Audiobook): 9781529052121

Translators: Louise Heal Kawai

Release date

Audiobook: 16 September 2021