Just Like Papa
by Nandita da Cunha and illustrated by Shreya Sen
“Just Like Papa” by Nandita da Cunha and illustrated by Shreya Sen. Published by Tota books. An endearing story of little Gia and her dreams of becoming just like her father.
Gia loved staring at paintings. And she was incredibly lucky to have no dearth of paintings in their home. Her father was a popular artist who painted hands. She would stand looking at the paintings for hours together and get lost in the world inside them. Her father would proudly exclaim that she would become an artist just like him someday. He would make her sit with him as he painted and talk to her about the art of painting.
On her seventh birthday, Papa gifted her a wide assortment of things needed for painting. Everything from canvas to easel to paints and an art bag that he had decorated himself specially for her. When Gia sat down to paint, her mind went blank just like the canvas spread in front of her. She tried making her favourite swirly hands painting. Even that didn’t work. She tried a lot but nothing seemed to be working for her.
How did Gia start feeling? Did she give up trying? Was this not what she liked doing? Is there something else she might be good at? Could Papa do something? Will she ever become an artist? Will she be able to work with her Papa? Read the book to find out what happened in Gia’s life. The book is a gentle reminder for everyone to follow their hearts.
My seven year old loved the story. He was amused by Gia’s problem and loved the way the book ended. Never give up trying and you might find what you are looking for even though it might be very different and unexpected from what it was at the outset. The story tells us this so beautifully.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 4/5+.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Tota Books here.
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.