Kaya Doi, creator of the Chirri & Chirra series (The Snowy Day), presents her first standalone picture book, the charming Tama and Baby, an import translated from the Japanese by David Boyd (Chirri & Chirra translator since the fourth title) and International Booker Prize shortlisted Asa Yoneda.
"A baby has come to Tama's house": Doi visually signifies an immediate connection between Tama and baby through the infant's rosy cheeks, which match the kitty's calico markings. Tama is initially cautious--she's "never seen a baby before." Baby just sleeps at first, "but Tama is in for a big surprise" when the baby cries through the night. When Tama notices Baby fussing, she learns to make Baby laugh. Tama becomes Baby's constant companion, even when Baby grabs Tama's tail and gnaws on it. The duo become "the best of sisters," but like all siblings, occasional conflicts are unavoidable. Tama graciously acknowledges that she should know better: "I am the big sister. Baby is still so little." Baby keeps "growing and growing and growing..." but to Tama, she'll "always be her baby sister."
Doi uses gently textured color-pencil drawings to underscore Baby and Tama's unbreakable bond through recurring matching colors. In contrast, Doi's depiction of the parent is a clever, artful exercise in capturing negative space that uses flowing black outlines and shadows; this technique adds energy to Baby and Tama's tumbling play, interactive meals, and symbiotic rest. Younger audiences, especially those with beloved non-human siblings, will recognize and celebrate Tama and Baby's invitingly irresistible devotion. --Terry Hong