Fifth-grader Ibuki feels that her brother Ho-chan, who suddenly shouts and runs off, is someone she cannot fully understand. When illness makes him miss his school trip, a make-up journey brings together family, support workers, and people of many different circumstances, and Ibuki begins to learn how to imagine another person's feelings. The novel was published under a new title after winning the award as Ho-chan to, Tabi ni Deru.

As children, adults, and even a dog join the preparations for the journey, Ibuki and Ho-chan's worlds gradually widen.

Set in a maneki-neko advice office tucked beside a shrine, this story follows the big-hearted Lily, the attentive Kotatsu, and the talkative Akasuke as they welcome fellow lucky cats with troubles of their own. When Mame-taro fears that misfortune has followed his arrival at his owner's home, the three look closely at each cat's power to bring good fortune and seek an unexpected solution.

A story in which maneki-neko companions face one another's worries and rediscover the power to welcome good fortune.