This book tells the story of a young boy, Vapi, who feels an outsider at school, is tormented by a bully, and is afraid of not being up to his parents' artistic expectations.

Fortunately, Vapi discovers that, through his fertile imagination, he can draw and overcome multiple obstacles in his life. He ends up discovering that he can help others through his talent: his parents who are living in extreme poverty, and the elderly. At the end of the book, he and his family have the promise of a happy future, through their talent and art.

There are some drawings in black and white but they seem too raw. They are almost childish in their lack of sophistication. I would have liked something more polished.

This is a book that seemed too long and jumbled to me. I had a hard time finishing it. Though I respect the authors' efforts and accomplishment, I must say I only read the whole book for the sake of the review I had promised.

My 9 year old read this and wasn't a big fan. I think it was maybe a little above his reading level and he didn't really understand some of it. I think some of the issues with it are because it's a British book and he's used to American English. I've read a lot of British books so I'm better at understanding what's going on. I thought it was a fantastic story with several good lessons in it. I felt really bad for Vapi. For starters, that name! His eccentric parents made me feel bad for him too. It seemed like he was in a really tough spot. I loved his excitement when he got his first imaginative idea. I think it was great the way he wanted to help his family with his art once he started getting ideas. The only real complaint I have is the way the font size changed and there was so much bold. I found the bold unnecessary and a little distracting. But overall I thought it was a great story!

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book!

There is a cute story here but I had to push through a lot of really confusing text to get there. I spent the first half of the book so confused by what I was reading and a bit sad about Vapi's life. Of course he eventually discovers the power of imagination and finds his talent but I wish there had been a more cohesive story to share its beautiful message.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

How can you not appreciate the story of a young boy who finds the key to unlocking his talent and imagination? Imagination is so important for children and this story beautifully shows how it played an important part in Vapi's young life. I loved that it also explored the effects of kindness and its ability to change the outcome of a precarious situation.

The simple drawings were effective and reminiscent of those I remember from some of my favorites books growing up.

I have to note, with a little amusement-- I was a little confused at the beginning about the author's intent until I fully accepted and settled in to this clearly 'British voice' of storytelling.

I think this book would be great fun to read aloud with the voices of the different characters. It's a little sad, a little mysterious and a whole lot of imagination.

Vapi, or Van Gogh Pablo Picasso Salvador Dali, is a 10 year old boy who has artist parents. They gave him this very rare, hideous name in hope of having a successful, artist son. But, he can't even draw. He struggles in all lessons, and said to have no Strong Point yet.
One day, his mother takes him out to draw and paint together, and that's where he first discovers his imagination. So, it becomes an escape for him from the normal life he's struggling in.
One day he gets invited to a TV show to help elderly and disabled people to discover their talents. After drawing the winning picture, he wins a scholarship to an innovative school to help others discover their talent.

I really liked this book, it was a heart warming story taking a 10 year old boy from a difficult position to someone who's useful to others in life, and also being content himself. I think he represents many girls and boys out there and I would suggest parents to buy this book to show the possibilities and surprises waiting around the corner for everyone. My only criticism for the book is the pictures could be more attractive, they looked a bit ordinary.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.