Dadaji’s Paintbrush
Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, published by Levine Querido in 2022, is a beautifully illustrated book that explores the bond between a young boy and his grandfather in a small Indian village. The story follows the boy’s journey as he learns to paint with his grandfather, who teaches him to create colors from marigolds and brushes from jasmine flowers. After the grandfather’s passing, the boy discovers a special paintbrush left behind, prompting him to confront his grief and rediscover his love for art.
This edition, consisting of 32 pages, delves into themes of family, art, and the multigenerational connections that shape our lives. Readers will find a narrative that addresses the complexities of loss and the enduring legacy of loved ones, as the boy learns to honor his grandfather’s memory through painting. The book’s rich illustrations complement its heartfelt story, making it a poignant exploration of grief and creativity suitable for young readers.
Official synopsis Publisher
BEST OF THE YEAR
Chicago Public Library · School Library Journal · Five Books
Carnegie Medal Finalist
Once, in a tiny village in India, there was a young boy who loved to paint. He lived with his grandfather, who taught him to paint with his fingers, to make paints from marigolds and brushes made from jasmine flowers. Sometimes, the village children would watch them painting together, and the boy’s grandfather would invite them to join in.
They didn’t have much, but they had each other.
After his grandfather dies, the boy notices a little box wrapped in string with a note that read: “From Dadaji, with love,” with his grandfather’s best paintbrush tucked away inside. But he feels he will never want to paint again.
Will the boy overcome his grief and find joy in painting and his dadaji’s memory again?
A lushly illustrated tale of love, art, and family.
P R A I S E
★ “Extraordinary. This book stands out for the depth of its wise messages, and its gentle, evocative art.”
—School Library Journal (starred)
★ “Perfect for an art class, a read-aloud session at a library or for sharing with a child who has recently lost a loved one.”
—Shelf-Awareness (starred)
“This story of familial love and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren wraps readers in a tight hug… A gentle, reassuring reminder that love lives on long after death.”
—Kirkus
“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
“Explores the pain of losing a grandparent and the quiet joy of coming to see the legacy the person has left.”
–Wall Street Journal
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