Asha and the Toymaker
Written and Illustrated by Sakshi Mangal
Published by Kids Can Press
Blue Spruce Read-Aloud – April 7th release (Video)
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Asha’s Papa makes and sells wooden toys to pay for her to go to school. But Papa struggles to find buyers. And this makes him worry. He worries Asha’s life will also be a struggle unless she focuses on her schoolwork, which he never had the chance to do. Can Asha’s art help Papa? Will he let her try? Author and illustrator Sakshi Mangal drew inspiration from her childhood in India for this sweet picture book. It celebrates the life-changing power of art in the real world, and offers children an opportunity to explore the concept of color and the influence of the visual arts in their everyday lives. Asha’s touching generosity and resourcefulness also show how even a very young child can make a difference and provide a wonderful character education lesson on initiative.
SAKSHI MANGAL
Sakshi Mangal is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and author, renowned for her creativity and passion in crafting enchanting stories and captivating illustrations that inspire young minds and bring joy to readers of all ages. Based in Vancouver, she lives with her husband and her mischievous toddler daughter, whose playful world fuels her imaginative storytelling.
Growing up in Mumbai, Sakshi discovered her love for storytelling through bedtime tales shared with her mother. This passion led her to the UK, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in animation from Teesside University and a master’s degree in Children’s Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art.
Now working from her home studio, Sakshi has collaborated with notable clients, delivering unique and engaging artwork for various projects. Proudly represented by Astound Agency, her work has been published and recognized in both the UK and North America, inspiring joy and wonder in readers of all ages.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Website: www.sakshimangal.com
Instagram: @drawergeek
Email: sakshimangal@gmail.com
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Asha and the Toymaker (2023)
