Yuwei flips human and feline timelines through the melancholic and contemplative story of a painter named Mr. Cat and the small sprite of a girl he finds beneath a leaf and takes home as autumn gives way to winter. A solitary gray feline, Mr. Cat isn’t used to having a houseguest (“Get off my TAIL!”), but before long the girl—whose touch magically causes plants to grow—becomes a source of artistic inspiration, and the muted winter scenes gradually fill with color as friendship blossoms. Though the pair’s time together is brief (“Lifetime... one winter,” the encyclopedia reads), she leaves Mr. Cat with joyful memories of their ephemeral friendship. (…) the careful, softly shaded illustrations are gently luminous.

– Publishers Weekly

The smudgy, soft-edged illustrations are quite captivating. Close-ups of the girl and Mr. Cat really engage readers, and the spare use of yellow draws their eyes along. The use of white space creates tension and provides balance for several full-color spreads. (…) a story with quite engaging illustrations.

– Kirkus Reviews

While he’s out for a walk in the autumn woods, Mr. Cat discovers a wee, thumb-sized girl who brings love, light, and laughter into his regimented days. The little sprite spreads joy and inspires creativity, brightening the cold winter months. Her bare feet and sunny yellow dress stand in contrast to Mr. Cat’s formal manners. This is a bittersweet tale of hope; it celebrates the beauty and transience of life and the passing seasons.

– Foreword Reviews