Ruchi Mhasane (illustrator)

Dadaji's Paintbrush

by Rashmi Sirdeshpande & Ruchi Mhasane (illustrator)

Set in a village in India, this is a lovely picture book about the universal bond between children and grandparents, and a gentle way to raise the topic of mortality with young children. The close relationship between the boy and his dadaji shines out of the illustrations. After losing his grandfather the boy is overcome with grief, but a little girl insists that he teach her to paint, just like his dadaji had taught her mother. As the boy gives time and attention to painting and to the younger children in the village, the memory of his grandfather’s love gradually overshadows the pain of loss.

Ages 3-6

Read expert recommendations