Ruchi Mhasane – illustratör

WINNER OF THE INCLUSIVE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AWARDS"A sensitive and powerful exploration of belonging, cultural identity and difference." IBC Awards 2026 judges"An affirming story about accepting and loving ourselves and our cultural traditions." Kirkus Reviews"Empowers viewers to embrace their identity with confidence." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksCelebrate each other's unique identity in this authentic, reassuring and sensitively told story written by Sophia Payne and with evocative illustrations from Ruchi Mhasane. This is a must-have picture book for every child battling with their self-esteem or anxiety about wearing cultural dress, and anyone learning to build tolerance, empathy and understanding of everybody's background.Ameena can’t wait for her aunty’s wedding. She is wearing a brand-new salwar kameez – the layers of floaty fabric filled with pretty patterns make her feel like a princess. But when someone comments on her “pyjamas”, she loses all confidence, fearing that her friends might not accept her traditional clothing. Through courage, family love and self-belief, Ameena discovers what it means to take pride in the beautiful layers of her heritage, especially in the face of difficult comments.

Fergus lives with his father by the sea, but is lonely. He wants a friend more than anything.One day Fergus finds treasure on the beach: a beautiful fur blanket hidden in the rocks. But Fergus doesn't know that his treasure belongs to someone else -- a selkie girl has lost her seal skin and can't go home to the sea without it.Will Fergus give his new friend what she needs, and risk being lonely again?This is a lovely retelling of the traditional Scottish folk tale of the selkie (a seal who can become human) adapted for a young audience. Beautifully written by storyteller and selkie storyteller Janis Mackay, the tale is accompanied by stunning illustrations by Ruchi Mhasane.The Selkie Girl is one of the first titles released in the new Picture Kelpies: Traditional Scottish Tales range of picture books that bring classic Scottish folk and fairy tales to life for young children.

O my Luve's like a red, red rose,That's newly sprung in June;O my Luve's like the melodieThat's sweetly play'd in tune.In this beautifully illustrated picture-book version of Burns' classic poem, the lyrics have been re-imagined to explore the special love between parent and child. A mother and daughter feature in everyday scenes such as playing in a garden, splashing in the sea and going to nursery, each inspired by Burns' eloquent words. With delightful, heart-warming illustrations by Ruchi Mhasane, this expressive new picture book is the perfect way to share Burns' with very young children. It is also an ideal Mother's Day or Valentine's Day gift.

Discover that bereavement can be a beginning, not an ending, in this beautiful story of one boy's grief when he loses his beloved grandfather.Dadaji loves to teach others to paint, especially his grandson. But after Dadaji passes away, the boy can’t bear to use the favourite paintbrush his grandfather left for him. When a little girl knocks on the door, the boy discovers how many lives Dadaji touched with his art, and finds a way to continue his legacy.The perfect book for children suffering a bereavement, with an uplifting and heartfelt focus on continuing a legacy for those who aren't around any more.Winner of the Diverse Book Award for Best Picture Book 2023A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year book and longlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration!

Discover that we are so much more than where we are from in this beautiful, poetic celebration of children with shared heritage, from the Diverse Book Award-winning team.When people ask her where she is from, this little girl says she has a foot in two worlds: one in India, the country of her heritage, and one in the land her parents came to on a plane. But she is so much more than that – she is the memories, the music, the tastes, sights and sounds of both of those worlds, she is their shared history, and the people who fought for their freedom . . . but most of all, she is proud to be herself.A poetic story about a little girl with Indian heritage who discovers all of the amazing things that make her who she is.

Discover that we are so much more than where we are from in this beautiful, poetic celebration of children with shared heritage, from a Diverse Book Award-winning team.When people ask her where she is from, this little girl says she has a foot in two worlds: one in India, the country of her heritage, and one in the land her parents came to on a plane. But she is so much more than that – she is the memories, the music, the tastes, sights and sounds of both of those worlds, she is their shared history, and the people who fought for their freedom . . . but most of all, she is proud to be herself.A poetic story about a little girl with Indian heritage who discovers all of the amazing things that make her who she is.