Daishu Ma is a Chinese illustrator and graphic artist working in East London. Daishu’s first wordless graphic novel Leaf was published in 2014. Today, she joins Ian Eagleton in The Reading Realm to talk about her new picture book!

Before we settle down in The Reading Realm to talk about your new book, what’s your drink and snack of choice?

My drink and snack of choice would be green tea and chocolate. 

Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about your new picture book Tiger, Don’t Worry?

It’s a story about two good friends getting into trouble together. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Especially when we have a friend like Tiger – bold, a bit naughty, always egging us on. But the beauty of a friendship like that is that it can also help us get out of trouble, if we’re brave and trust each other.

We first met Mei and Tiger in Tiger, It’s Snowing! How would you say this new story is similar? How is it different?

Both stories centre on the friendship between Mei and Tiger. They have very different personalities – Mei is calm and brave, while Tiger is bold and impulsive. But when you put them together, magic happens. It’s that dynamic that drives both stories. Each book is also about new adventures, about doing something for the first time.

The two stories are both about new adventures, doing something for the very first time.

In a way, Tiger, It’s Snowing! is a quieter story – it’s about slowing down, experiencing the world through our senses, and noticing what’s around us. Tiger, Don’t Worry! also explores trying something new – Mei and Tiger are helping to pick tea for the first time – but there’s a twist. It becomes more exciting, a bit chaotic. At its heart, it’s about the feelings we go through when we make a mistake, and the journey it takes to face up to it. So while the first book is more external, Tiger, Don’t Worry! is really about an inner journey.

The illustrations really are beautiful! Can you talk us through your process?

Thank you! So I spent a lot of time figuring out the right techniques for theses books. The initial sketches were done in pencil and water colour. But I felt the strong landscape and boldness of the characters needed something more vibrant. In the end I chose oil pastels and crayons. They are soft, the colours are so vibrant, but also they are chunky and quite messy to work with – which matched the characters perfectly. 

Please see the photographs below for some early sketches!

Do you have any plans to return to the world of Mei and Tiger? What do you think they’re up to at the moment?

Yes! I’m thinking of a series of Mei and Tiger going on different adventures through the seasons. I think right now though, they are busy making art. Mei is holding a paint brush and telling Tiger to stand still… but of course, Tiger has other ideas! 

Finally, can you describe Tiger, Don’t Worry! in three words?

Mischief, Trouble, Hugs!