Amazon jacquelinepearce.ca/missingluck Category:  Action/Thriller Publisher: Orca Book Publishers ISBN-10:  1554693969 Pages: 61 Copyright: 2011 ISBN-13: 9781554693962 When the Lucky Cat statue goes missing from her grandmother's bakery, Sara hopes to find it and return the bakery's lost luck. Sara loves her grandmother's bakery --for its delicious Japanese buns and pastries and for the time she spends there with Obaachan, her grandmother. But things aren't going well for the bakery. When Maneki Neko, the bakery's lucky cat statue goes missing, Sara wonders if the bakery's luck is gone for good. Then a mysterious night-time cat inspires a plan. With the help of school friend, Jake, Sara might be able to find the lucky cat and restore the bakery's lost luck. A chapter book for ages 6-8, illustrated by Leanne Franson.

Southwest Ohio and Neighboring Libraries (SWON) 2011-08-14
"This ready-for-chapter books story is great for the young reader. Using a Japanese icon as the subject of the mystery was an ingenious concept as it pulls a multicultural aspect into the storyline. The simple plot and the humorous conclusion are well written...Another great addition for the elementary library."

Booklist 2011-05-01
"This beginning chapter book ably portrays the two main characters and the bond between them. In a nicely handled subplot, an actual cat makes mysterious appearances and eventually leads to the finding of Maneki Neko...The mystery's resolution is far more realistic than one usually finds in books for young children. Readers new to chapter books will find this paperback, with its many full-page drawings, a good place to start."

Canadian Teacher 2012-01-01
"A wonderfully warm and clever book...The chapters are short and fast-paced. There is suspense or mystery with a hint of magic...The story is a great introduction to many facets of Japanese culture, and the pictures reinforce the sense of immersion. Well done!"