The Chinese Siamese Cat by Amy Tan and Gretchen Schields - First Edition Children's Books - Chinese Culture, Cat Stories, Siamese Cats

Sorry, this item has sold.

First edition of The Chinese Siamese Cat by Amy Tan and Gretchen Schields. Ming Miao tells her five kittens the story of their ancestor, Sagwa, who's heroic (or mischievous) acts are the reason they're Chinese rather than Siamese cats.

Written by Amy Tan. Illustrated by Gretchen Schields. 1994, first edition, first printing. Macmillan Publishing Company.

On the day mother cat Ming Miao sends her five kittens out into the world, she tells them the story of their illustrious ancestor Sagwa, and that because they're descended from her, they're really Chinese rather than Siamese cats.

"A thousand cat lives ago", Mama and Baba Miao and their three kittens lived in the House of the Foolish Magistrate. Their value to the Foolish Magistrate was in their long, silky, pointed tails; he dipped their tales in ink to write his many silly rules. One day he issued one of the worst rules ever: "From now on, people must not sing until the sun goes down!" For if they're singing, they must be happy, and if they're happy, they must not be working hard enough.

Mama and Baba thought the rule absurd and most unfair but they're resigned to being powerless to stop it. Not Sagwa. Left behind in the Foolish Magistrate's study, she jumps from a shelf onto his desk and splashes the ink pot everywhere, proud of herself, until she looks to down to see that she's standing on the Scroll of Rules and smeared the word "not" on the newest rule. Uh-oh. Sagwa knows she's in big trouble and hides behind the Magistrate's chair. The Reader of Rules enters the study to take the scroll in order to read the new rule to the citizens of the provence. When he announces that everyone must now sing until sunset, the people rejoice! Wonderful! How generous of the Magistrate to be so thoughtful of us! And they sing and sing. The Magistrate's anger melts away as he listens to their songs of thanks, and he immediately issues three new rules: All previous rules are rescinded; all stray cats are welcome in his house; and...

"...from now on, all Chinese cats shall have dark faces, ears, paws, and tails - in honor of the greatest of felines, Sagwa of China."

And that, according to Ming Miao, is the real history of 'Siamese' cats, and why they can't stay out of trouble.

Amy Tan is the celebrated author of The Joy Luck Club, The Kitchen God's Wife, The Bonesetter's Daughter, and most recently, The Valley of Amazement. Her other children's book is The Moon Lady.

Connect with Amy Tan at Goodreads.
Goodreads.com/author/show/5246.Amy_Tan

Condition*: Fine/Near Fine. The dust jacket has a small scrape in the front top right corner and a small bump on the back top left corner.

*Based on guidelines of the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.

Etsy.com/shop/TheCharmedBookshop
Visit TheCharmedBookshop.com for more first edition children's books.

Shipping from United States

Processing time

1-3 business days

Estimated shipping times

  • Australia : 1 - 3 business days
  • United States : 1 - 3 business days
  • North America : 1 - 3 business days
  • Europe : 1 - 3 business days
  • Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 1 - 3 business days
  • Asia Pacific : 1 - 3 business days
  • Latin America and the Caribbean : 1 - 3 business days
  • North Africa and the Middle East : 1 - 3 business days
  • Sub-Saharan Africa : 1 - 3 business days

I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

Payment Options

Secure options
  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

Returns & Exchanges

I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations

Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery

Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery

Privacy policy

* I will not share your personal information with third parties.
* I will contact you only through Etsy or an email address you provide to convey information about your order and news exclusive to The Charmed Bookshop.
* In placing your order, please provide Etsy with an active email address to ensure that I can get in touch with you about your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gift wrapping and packaging

I wrap every book with care and ship it in a padded mailing envelope or sturdy box. If you're purchasing a gift, please advise when ordering and include a gift message.

Care instructions

1. I lightly clean books, as needed, but I don't attempt repairs or restoration. If you'd like a book restored, you'll find trustworthy, qualified experts in your area through libraries or museums.

I also recommend the following care instructions.

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works -
https://goo.gl/6CZ9zA

2. Photos are cropped and resized to Etsy guidelines but are otherwise unedited. Please contact me if you'd like additional photos of book details.

3. Descriptions of condition are based on guidelines from the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.

Order processing time

I'll process and ship your purchase in 1 - 3 business days, and I'll ship anywhere in the world via any mail or delivery service that Etsy offers. (Please refer to the Shipping section for average shipping turn-around times by region.) If I encounter any delays in processing your order, I will advise you in advance.