Dadaji’s Paintbrush

In a quaint village in India, a boy and his grandfather live together. They spend their days doing what they love most: painting. A diaspora of coconut shells, reeds, and jasmine flowers adorn their floor as they work. The neighborhood kids stand by watching eagerly through the windows, sometimes even joining in on the fun. Then, one day, everything changes for the boy; his whole universe collapses. He can no longer bare to look at the memories he created with his grandfather and locks them all away out of sight. It takes a little girl to break through his walls of pain and open his heart again.

This is a masterpiece—a beautiful story of a sacred bond between a grandparent and a grandchild. It encapsulates so many things: adoration, passion, community, loss, and restoration. Children who do, as well as those who don’t, have special relationships with their own grandparents will be touched by Dadaji’s Paintbrush. Those experiencing grief will benefit from its positive and inspiring message as well.

The illustrations throughout are vibrant and authentic. They’re full of detail and enhance the cultural richness of the narrative. Additionally, the “Author’s Note” is a must read; it’s poignant and enlightening.