#Review: Blue by Devashish Makhija

Blue is an intriguing and visually distinctive picture book that seems to explore the idea of following one’s inner impulse, imagination and emotional connections, even when the destination is uncertain. The recurring image of the string becomes an effective metaphor for the invisible forces that pull us—towards people, places, feelings and possibilities. The line, “He was being flown by his heart-string,” captures this beautifully, suggesting that the heart, rather than logic, can sometimes determine our direction.

The writing is deliberately spare and slightly surreal. Phrases such as “running away from him, all the way into the horizon, criss-crossing other strings” create a dreamlike quality, though this abstraction may also leave younger readers wondering exactly what the story is trying to say. A clearer narrative anchor or a slightly more explicit emotional resolution could make the underlying message more accessible without compromising its poetic character.

The illustrations are arguably the book’s strongest feature. Satwik Gade’s bold, almost handmade visual language—particularly the energetic lines, splashes, dots and striking use of blue, red and orange—extends the story beyond the words. The occasional black-and-white imagery creates a welcome tonal contrast, while graphic elements resembling signs, notices or printed fragments give the pages an intriguing, almost collage-like quality.

Overall, Blue is more an experience than a straightforward story: imaginative, unusual and visually compelling, although its abstraction may demand more interpretive participation from its young readers.

Find this book here.