LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
July 2022 Book of the Month | Shortlisted for the Jhalak Children’s & Young Adult Prize 2023
In a tiny village in India a little boy lives with his grandfather. They do everything together and they especially love to paint together, sometimes joined by the other children in the village. Their love for one another is evident and when Dadaji dies, leaving the boy his favourite paintbrush, it’s too painful for the boy to even look at. But the children of the village comfort him and their joy in the paints and paintings brings the realisation that his grandfather will always be with him.
The story is told with immense tenderness, the illustration that shows us that Dadaji has gone is particularly sensitive, with a tremendous sense of warmth. This will be a very special book to share with young children with its reassurance that love lives for ever.
Andrea Reece
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About
Dadaji's Paintbrush Synopsis
Discover that bereavement can be a beginning, not an ending, in this beautiful story of one boy's grief when he loses his beloved grandfather.
Dadaji loves to teach others to paint, especially his grandson. But after Dadaji passes away, the boy can't bear to use the favourite paintbrush his grandfather left for him. When a little girl knocks on the door, the boy discovers how many lives Dadaji touched with his art, and finds a way to continue his legacy.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781839131400 |
| Publication date: |
1st June 2023 |
| Author: |
Rashmi Sirdeshpande |
| Illustrator: |
Ruchi Mhasane |
| Publisher: |
Andersen Press Ltd |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
32 pages |
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Press Reviews
Rashmi Sirdeshpande Press Reviews
'This touching picture-book story of love, loss and acceptance is illustrated with glowing tenderness and warmth' - Guardian
'Filled with heart, hope and the joy of creativity -- Serena Patel A moving portrayal of grief... Mhasane's clever illustrations reflect the boy's sadness, and how life and joy let the colour back in' - The Bookseller
'An extraordinary work for every shelf' - School Library Journal
'Via Sirdeshpande's restrained but deeply empathic narrative voice and Mhasane's digitally enhanced colored pencil and pastel pictures, which capture light in almost incandescent colors, this proves a moving tribute to the role of mentors and memory in a young artist's life, as well as to what time and attention can bring about' - Publishers Weekly
Author
About Rashmi Sirdeshpande
Rashmi Sirdeshpande is a lawyer turned children's author, with two young children who ask her lots of questions. Rashmi writes non-fiction picture books that ignite children's curiosity, as well as fictional stories that crackle with imagination. When she's not playing with words, you'll find her on her yoga mat twisting herself into all sort of shapes.
Commenting on what inspired her to write Good News, Rashmi Sirdeshpande said: “I grew up loving comics, picture books, puzzle books and fact books. Anything that sparked that WOW feeling inside me. Anything that carried me away! Because books are the cheapest ticket to absolutely everywhere - real and fantastical. And I love that today especially, there really is something for everyone out there. I wrote Good News to give young readers the facts about the biggest challenges we face on this planet but also the facts about how far we've come already, how much amazing work is being done, and how we have so many reasons to be hopeful about the future. Good News is the hardest, truest, most important thing I've ever written and to see it shortlisted for this incredible award means everything to me. Everything.”
Photo credit Charlotte Knee
More About Rashmi Sirdeshpande
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Inspirations behind the book by author Rashmi Sirdeshpande;
This story is a blend of so many different things but at its heart, it’s 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. It just so happened that Ruchi is from a similar part of India. And so the stunning setting in her artwork is just like our home in Goa - right down to the veranda, the rooftops, and all that beautiful greenery! Can you imagine how amazing it was to first see those pictures and realise that although we never once discussed it, Ruchi had painted everything that was inside my heart?
How does that even happen?
There’s so much in this book that I believe in. I believe there are no mistakes in art and that every single one of us should just feel free to play and create. I believe little things bring so much happiness - like sharing juicy mangoes or a story and watching the stars. And I believe love is something that lives on forever and ever. I’ve put all of these things inside this little story and Ruchi has brought it to life in a way I could never have imagined. I love what we have created and I hope you will too.
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