Tiger, It’s Snowing!

Snowfall presents human child Mei and enormous feline pal Tiger with an ideal opportunity for exploration in Ma’s frolicsome picture book. Dialogue-driven text shared from Mei’s first-person perspective toggles between descriptions of Tiger’s eagerness to experience snow (“Tiger catches a snowflake. ‘Mmmmm.’ Tiger grins. ‘Snow tastes cold, like ice cream’ ”) and Mei’s increasing discomfort (“Brrrrr! It’s very cold. ‘Let’s stay inside and keep warm,’ I say”). Employing bold shapes, spongy naif-style artwork captures the high-spirited energy of the pair’s wintry exploits as they make foot- and paw-prints, then marvel at the beauty of their frost-covered village, cast in pale blues and teals. In this companionable read, the duo, nearly always side by side, roll down a hill, have the “snowiest snowball fight,” and make snow angels until Mei’s wild shivering finally captures the attention of Tiger, who at last carries the child, depicted with brown skin and hair, home for a comfortable wind-down routine. Ages 3–5. (Aug.)