It’s my stop on the blog tour for Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane. Full of the colours of India, this gorgeously illustrated picture book is bursting with emotions.
It is the story of a little boy who loves his Dadaji (grandfather) dearly. Dadaji loves to paint and enjoys teaching everyone in the village to paint.
When Dadaji dies, he leaves his grandson his favourite paint brushes. But the boy is too heartbroken to use them. Until one day, a little girl comes by, and asks him to teach her to paint, the way her mum learned from Dadaji…
Reading this book, it is very clear how much love went into its creation – the personal touches really shine through. Talking about the book, Rashmi explains that she based the story on two important men in her life: her grandfather and her father.
“[Dadaji’s Paintbrush is] inspired by my love for my grandfather and his love for me. He didn’t talk about it. He didn’t have to. Whenever it was time for me to go back to England after visiting him in Goa, India, he would hold me so tight that my bones hurt. You might remember that line in the book. That’s him. He isn’t around anymore but that feeling that the people you love will always, always be with you – that’s just how I feel.
The rest of the story is based on my father. He’s not a painter but he loves the arts and he’s a kind, generous soul who gives so much to the community. The book is based on his childhood in Goa (and to some extent mine too!) – not the painting but the paper boats, the fruits, the market, and the monsoon rain.”
Rashmi and Ruchi are the perfect picture book team. By serendipity, Rashmi and Ruchi are from a similar part of India, and they have both given the book a feel of their home, from the rooftops to the greenery. Together they have created a truly beautiful, authentic and universal story of the love between a grandchild and grandparent, and shown that their special bond is never broken, even after death. Dadaji’s Paintbrush is a heart-warming, timeless tale of eternal love.
Published by Andersen Press, 7 July 2022
ISBN: 978-1839131394
Don’t forget to check out the other stops on the tour!
If you like the sound of this book, you may also like:
If All the World Were… by Joseph Coelho and Allison Colpoys
Joseph and Allison have created a poetic tribute to the sacred, ever-lasting bond between a grandchild and grandparent.
Read full review here.
An Artist’s Eyes by Frances Tosdevin and Clémence Monnet
An empowering story about the power of imagination and individuality that will hopefully leave you seeing the world a little differently.
Read full review here.
I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. This voluntary review contains my honest opinion.
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