Life — April 11, 1918 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Welcome, Little Stranger" This April 1918 *Life* cartoon depicts a winter scene where two figures in heavy coats gesture upward at birds flying overhead, welcoming them back. The caption reads "Welcome, Little Stranger." The image likely represents the return of migratory birds in spring. However, given the 1918 publication date—during World War I's final year—this may carry satirical resonance about American involvement or returning soldiers, though the visual content alone suggests a straightforward seasonal theme. The sketch is signed by what appears to be "Sidney Paget" or similar. Without additional context from surrounding pages, the precise satirical target remains unclear, though the juxtaposition of winter hardship and spring renewal suggests themes of hope or rebirth relevant to wartime 1918.