PUBLICATION NEWS: DADAJI’s PAINTBRUSH
Dadaji’s Paintbrush, beautifully illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane, and published by Andersen Press, is now out in the world! Set in rural India, it’s a story about art and community and that unbreakable bond between grandparent and grandchild. It’s also a story about legacy and how the people we love live on in the things we do. You can see why I wrote the book and get some fascinating insights from Ruchi here on our publisher’s website.
The reception this book has had has been beyond my wildest dreams. It was Editor’s Choice in The Bookseller (my third book to be selected as Editor’s Choice after How to Change the World and Good News). AND it was featured in THE GUARDIAN’s roundup of THE BEST NEW PICTURE BOOKS!
“…'this touching picture-book story of love, loss and acceptance is illustrated with glowing tenderness and warmth.” - THE GUARDIAN
Not only that - it was a Monthly Staff Pick at the incredible LoveReading4Schools (like Yes You Can, Cow!) AND (like Dosh!), it was selected as a Monthly Must-Read by The Reader Teacher.
Reviews have been amazing too. So many teachers, librarians, bookmakers and readers had such lovely things to say about it. And School Library Journal gave the US edition (publishing with Levine Querido) a STARRED REVIEW, describing it as “an extraordinary work for every shelf”.
Our publisher also organised a launch tour over on Instagram so I thought I’d share some highlights here. Please find and follow these wonderful Bookstagrammers and show them some support for all they do for children’s books!
BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR
“This is a special intergenerational book which introduces the subject of death in a simple, yet sensitive way. Of course, it is sad and deeply moving, but at the same time it provides comfort, hope and positivity.”
STOP 2: @thekidsbookstagrammer
“One of our most emotional reads this year and one that is certain to make it to our best of the best list!”
STOP 3: @sliceofbookishlife >> see original post for lots of ideas for curriculum-linked activities based on our book!
“A delicate story of a touching intergenerational relationship and new beginnings after bereavement.”
“Rashmi and Ruchi are the perfect picture book team… Together, they have created a truly beautiful, authentic and universal story of the love between a grandchild and grandparent, and shown that their special bond is never broken, even after death.”
STOP 5: @edspire >> see the original post for a beautiful ode to a much-loved grandparent.
“This was an incredibly emotional read and I know that so many will find themselves smiling through tears as they read this story and remember their own.”
“Dadaji’s Paintbrush is a beautifully illustrated picture book set in India, featuring a delicate story about grief, grandparents, art and legacies.”
STOP 7: @littlec_readingcorner
“Dadaji’s Paintbrush pulled at my heartstrings with its powerful message that unfolds at the turn of each page. A story about love, loss and life told in such a loving way with gorgeously soft and dream-like illustration.”
So grateful to all the Bookstagrammers and bloggers who took part in the tour and to everyone who has reviewed and and expressed such kind and beautiful thoughts about our book as well as precious personal memories that came up when reading it - thank you for sharing those.
It’s a strange and wonderful and terrifying thing sending a book into the world. Especially when it’s so close to your heart. But I’m happy to see Dadaji’s Paintbrush out there and I hope it gives some comfort to the readers who need it most. The ones who need to hear again and again - just as I do - that love will always, always live on.