Wang Yu Wei

This is a lovely little picture book—with gorgeous, delicate illustrations—which is somewhat reminiscent of the Russian folktale Snegurka, The Snow Maiden. However, instead of an elderly couple who, in their longing for a child, fashion a girl of snow that magically comes alive, Mr. Cat, a rather irascible feline artist, discovers a tiny little girl under a single green leaf in the snow. Winter has come early one year, and Mr. Cat wants to capture in paint the brilliant flame-coloured leaves of autumn against the white background of snow. That’s when the discovery is made. Mr. Cat takes the little girl home and cares for her—though she can certainly be annoying, messing with his paints, knocking over fragile objects, and clinging to his head or tail.

Soon he discovers that she has remarkable abilities. The touch of her feet appears to make things grow. Footprints in the snow produce brilliant yellow flowers; contact with her makes a houseplant’s growth take off. Alas, like the snow maiden of the folktale or the mythical Persephone, the tiny girl’s time in the world of Mr. Cat is limited, but there is hope that she, and the renewal she brings, will come again.

I think children and grown-ups both (particularly cat lovers) would enjoy this whimsical little book.… (mais)

Mr. Cat and the Little Girl by Wang Yu Wei is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. I had a difficult time trying to rate this book, it is such a strange book. It has likeable and unlikable features. I love the art! Wonderful! This is what made me go to the 4 stars instead of 3. The story is adorable until it just stopped.
In a way I felt the author was switching the cat and girl's places. Normally a girl or boy would find a little kitten freezing in the snow. In the house the cat would get into all that mischief. Then the wild would call to the cat and they would leave or death would come. Maybe I am thinking too hard in a children's book! Lol!… (mais)