Asha and the Toymaker by Sakshi Mangal is a father–daughter story about dreams and creativity.

Asha’s papa is a toymaker and he makes the most wonderful toys to sell at the market. Asha is an artist and she paints anything she can get her hands on. When Asha wants to help Papa by painting his toys, he is very reluctant. He wants her to go to school and study, not waste her time. He quickly realizes the importance of a little bit of colour.

Sakshi Mangal has written a sweet whimsical story about family and the power of art. The story has all the vibrancy of a market in India, the setting for the story, as well as some very familiar themes of parents wanting a better life for their children. Readers will delight in the message of being helpful and sharing their gifts with their elders. The text is simple enough that the story can very easily be shared with readers of any age, but especially those in the preschool/kindergarten age group.

The illustrations are bright and colourful. Sakshi Mangal fills the pages from top to bottom with her own artistic expression.The mixed media quality of the illustrations is charming and delightful and I know young readers will love to explore the story thanks to the art. I love the endpapers! Such a fun surprise!