Dadaji’s Paintbrush— a heart-touching tale❤️

Maybe it’s the holidays? Waxing nostalgic? But this well-written, beautifully illustrated picture book brought me to tears. Dadaji’s Paintbrush written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane is a heart-touching, heartwarming, heart-felt, tug-at-my-heartstrings, picture book.

Dadaji’s grandfather teaches him to paint. They use their fingers and flowers to create masterpieces together. And their creativity inspires the village children as well. I really enjoyed this message of the contagiousness of creativity.

When Dadaji’s grandfather passes away, Dadaji can no longer bear to look at their paintings, let alone open the little box containing his grandfather’s best brush that he left for him. It’s not until a little girl asks him to teach her to paint that Dadaji is able to come to terms with his grief and create art again. The story ends with Dadaji teaching and inspiring the village children just as his grandfather had done. Affirming that his grandfather will always be with him. There is also a moving afterward by Rashmi about why she wrote the book.

I come from a long line of artists, and I appreciated, and related to, the story’s message about the power of creating. And that sharing your talent and viewpoints with others can inspire a community. I was very moved by the ending which proved that our loved ones never really leave us.

So cry? Yes, I misted a bit. In a warm, wonderful, nostalgic way. Dadaji’s Paintbrush felt like a present. It’s beautiful, touching story, married with soft, inviting illustrations, reminding me of what is really important. All that in 32 pages bound between two pieces of cardboard.

That, is the power of a well-crafted picture book.

Happy holidays everyone! Please continue to read, write, draw, and share. ❤️

Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Jennifer is the illustrator and author of several acclaimed picture books. Most recently is Always by My Side, 'A Stuffie Story', which she wrote and illustrated. She also is both the author and illustrator of Playing Possum, and Blue Ethel. Jennifer illustrated Gondra’s Treasure, written by Newbery award winner Linda Sue Park. As well as, Sometimes You Fly, by Newbery medalist, Katherine Applegate. She illustrated Yaks Yak, Animal Word Pairs by Linda Sue Park, The Inventor's Secret, What Thomas Edison Told Henry Ford, by Suzanne Slade, Rabbi Benjamin's Buttons, by Alice B. McGinty, and The Adventures of a South Pole Pig, by Chris Kurtz.

10 Comments:

  1. Sounds beautiful. I’ll definitely look for this book.

  2. This sounds beautiful! Thanks for sharing this book with us!

  3. This book is going to make me cry and feel all the emotions. What a wonderful way to celebrate life in its full circle.

  4. This is a tender, powerful book. Thank you for sharing.

  5. Sheri Delgado Preston

    I’m taken in by this lovely story of love and art. Thank you Rashmi for writing and sharing it. Thank you Ruchi for the homey and comforting illustrations-I want to join the children in making art.

  6. Art from our heart is powerful, for sure.

  7. I just got this book from my library. It is glorious!

  8. What a delightful new book, with illustrations that make me want to hug them!

  9. Thank you for spotlighting this lovely book. I plan to check it out!

  10. Ahhh! How delicious! A picture book full of heart.

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