Rima and the Painter

by Leila Boukarim, Melissa Iwai (Illustrator)

Overview

In this heartwarming picture book, a girl and her mama discover joy and friendship through the art of Bob Ross and his happy little trees

Rima and her mama have moved far across the world to a new home. Now, everything feels dark and gray, and Mama doesn't smile like she used to.

But when Rima discovers the painter on television, everything changes. His soft voice and crunching brush inspire Rima to create art. And soon, Rima and Mama paint their own world in their new home.

Filled with gorgeous and playful illustrations, this story celebrates the transformative power of creativity. Perfect for little artists, anyone who has ever felt out of place, and fans of the talented Bob Ross!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250438690
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	07/22/2025
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
File size:	110 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Leila Boukarim was born in Lebanon, grew up in several countries, and now resides in Berlin. She has published a number of children’s books internationally. Leila’s stories are often influenced by her Middle Eastern upbringing, her observations as a citizen of the world, and the playfulness that arises from raising two young boys. In addition to writing and editing, Leila also spends her time reading, (proudly) hoarding books, embroidering, cooking, and trying to impress her cat.

Melissa Iwai is a children’s book author and illustrator who incorporates both traditional and digital media into her art. When she’s not working, Melissa cooks and develops her own recipes. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son.

Editorial Reviews

"This gentle ode to a beloved art instructor demonstrates how a sense of belonging can emerge from unexpected sources—and how creativity can transform despair into possibility."—Publishers Weekly

"A gentle tale of joy, healing, community, and the power of art...Comforting, uplifting, and full of nostalgia."—Kirkus

From the Publisher

2025-04-04
Painter and TV host Bob Ross helps a young immigrant discover art, make new friends, and bring back Mama’s smile.

Rima feels lonely and uncertain in her new faraway home. Mama assures her that their life will be better, but she seems so sad and distant. The voices Rima hears on the television are strange, but one gives her pause. The man speaks in a soft singsong voice as he paints an entirely new world on his canvas. Inspired, Rima sits down to draw the next time his show is on. Rima invites Mama to join her, but Mama’s notepad remains blank. Still, Rima’s enthusiasm is contagious—she makes one friend and then others, and they all draw “big old trees, almighty mountains, and happy little clouds.” But the biggest surprise of all is the smile that’s returned to Mama’s face one day as she displays paintbrushes, canvases, and paints so they can create a new world together. Drawing from her own experiences, Boukarim perfectly captures the creative genius and kind mannerisms of Bob Ross, as seen on his TV programThe Joy of Painting, as she weaves a gentle tale of joy, healing, community, and the power of art. At times Iwai’s beautiful watercolorlike illustrations reflect the quality of Ross’ paintings; at others, they have the whimsy of a child’s drawings. Hints in the text cue Rima and her mother as Middle Eastern.

Comforting, uplifting, and full of nostalgia. (author’s note)(Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews