Shreya loves to paint with bright bold colors as lively and joyful as she is. Even her art teacher, Mr. Rao, thinks her work is marvelous, which makes Shreya beam.

 

So when he asks if he can paint her during recess when the other kids are outside, it seems like another honor. But she knows something feels wrong the moment she arrives for her portrait. Mr. Rao seems different, is acting different, and in the moment, she freezes.

 

The experience ruins her love of painting, makes her feel awful, and she feels she can’t even tell her mom why.

 

But another girl in the class knows what to do, and her example gives Shreya courage of her own.

 

This sensitive, powerful story may be one of the most important books you will read with your child.