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The Magic Paintbrush
With her magic paintbrush, Shen can paint steaming pots full of fish and oysters to feed the hungry people in her village. When the evil emperor commands Shen to paint gold for him, she is determined to keep her promise to paint only for the poor. Julia Donaldson’s vibrant verse brings fresh life to a traditional tale of how a little girl’s integrity can withstand the corruption of power and greed.
32 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2003
13 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Julia Donaldson
1,225 books1,904 followersGrowing up
I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).
Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.
I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.
Busking and books
Before Malcolm and I had our three sons we used to go busking together and I would write special songs for each country; the best one was in Italian about pasta.
The busking led to a career in singing and songwriting, mainly for children’s television. I became an expert at writing to order on such subjects as guinea pigs, window-cleaning and horrible smells. “We want a song about throwing crumpled-up wrapping paper into the bin” was a typical request from the BBC.
I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs.
One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.
My real breakthrough was THE GRUFFALO, again illustrated by Axel. We work separately - he’s in London and I’m in Glasgow - but he sends me letters with lovely funny pictures on the envelopes.
I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books.
Funnily enough, I find it harder to write not in verse, though I feel I am now getting the hang of it! My novel THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES is going to be made into a film by the same team who made the Harry Potter movies, and I have written three books of stories about the anarchic PRINCESS MIRROR-BELLE who appears from the mirror and disrupts the life of an otherwise ordinary eight-year-old. I have just finished writing a novel for teenagers.
When I’m not writing I am often performing, at book festivals and in theatres. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. When Malcolm can take time off from the hospital he and his guitar come too. and it feels as if we’ve come full circle - back to busking.
I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).
Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.
I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.
Busking and books
Before Malcolm and I had our three sons we used to go busking together and I would write special songs for each country; the best one was in Italian about pasta.
The busking led to a career in singing and songwriting, mainly for children’s television. I became an expert at writing to order on such subjects as guinea pigs, window-cleaning and horrible smells. “We want a song about throwing crumpled-up wrapping paper into the bin” was a typical request from the BBC.
I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs.
One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.
My real breakthrough was THE GRUFFALO, again illustrated by Axel. We work separately - he’s in London and I’m in Glasgow - but he sends me letters with lovely funny pictures on the envelopes.
I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books.
Funnily enough, I find it harder to write not in verse, though I feel I am now getting the hang of it! My novel THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES is going to be made into a film by the same team who made the Harry Potter movies, and I have written three books of stories about the anarchic PRINCESS MIRROR-BELLE who appears from the mirror and disrupts the life of an otherwise ordinary eight-year-old. I have just finished writing a novel for teenagers.
When I’m not writing I am often performing, at book festivals and in theatres. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. When Malcolm can take time off from the hospital he and his guitar come too. and it feels as if we’ve come full circle - back to busking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 24, 2018
Based on a traditional Chinese story, this book tells the tale of a young girl who is given a magic paintbrush. The tale has a nice idea, and you can see the appeal of wondering what you would paint with such a brush. You can also appreciate this tale's appeal in days when you where either someone who had nothing or someone had everything, how reassuring to hope that just perhaps, one day the tables might turn.
We liked this more than we expected to, the rhyming verse was a pleasure to read. I always found that books that had a lovely rhythm when read aloud where much more bearable to read aloud again and again and again as young children want.
We liked this more than we expected to, the rhyming verse was a pleasure to read. I always found that books that had a lovely rhythm when read aloud where much more bearable to read aloud again and again and again as young children want.
July 30, 2013
'The Magic Paintbrush' is a Chinese fable-like story about a girl named Shen, who is given a magic paintbrush, by a mystical man on a rock, which brings objects to life. She is clearly instructed that the paintbrush will only work if she uses its abilities to help the poor.
As always happens in such stories, the greedy Emperor learns of Shen's magical powers, courtesy of the paintbrush, and demands that she paint him a golden tree of coins... As we all know, Shen is unable to fulfil this request and she explains how she is unable to fulfil the Emperors wish, as she had made the promise to paint only for the benefit of the poor.
'The Emperor scowls and stamps his foot, bellowing to his men:
"Seize the magic paintbrush and seize the girl called Shen."
To discover what happens in this exciting and heart-warming story, you will have to read it for yourself... I will say, however, that there is a happy ending.
This is not a usual Julia Donaldson book, as there is not the normal 'fun' approach to the manner in which the story unfurls. There is, however, her familiar strong but simple rhyming style running throughout. The illustrations are lovely and delicate, not the normal bold approach, complementing well the ancient oriental storyline. Whilst being read the story Children will relish looking at the pictures in wonderment, devouring the very different cultural aspects associated with ancient Chinese society.
The story, whilst there are some advanced aspects to its telling, is suitable for three to eight years olds, which is made possible by the inclusion of cross curricular traits. There are some lovely adjectives, a wide variety of connectives and rhyming words for the children to investigate.
Alongside the accompanying illustrations, the book conveys the cultural and historical differences between England and China, which can be explored further as additional spin-off projects. The book can be used to cover a wide range of subjects such as History, Geography, PSHE, Literacy and Art or just a simple fable that highlights an underlying moral tale. It is a book which is diverse in many ways - whilst beautiful, imaginative and compelling at the same time can be toted as a timeless classic in my eyes.
As always happens in such stories, the greedy Emperor learns of Shen's magical powers, courtesy of the paintbrush, and demands that she paint him a golden tree of coins... As we all know, Shen is unable to fulfil this request and she explains how she is unable to fulfil the Emperors wish, as she had made the promise to paint only for the benefit of the poor.
'The Emperor scowls and stamps his foot, bellowing to his men:
"Seize the magic paintbrush and seize the girl called Shen."
To discover what happens in this exciting and heart-warming story, you will have to read it for yourself... I will say, however, that there is a happy ending.
This is not a usual Julia Donaldson book, as there is not the normal 'fun' approach to the manner in which the story unfurls. There is, however, her familiar strong but simple rhyming style running throughout. The illustrations are lovely and delicate, not the normal bold approach, complementing well the ancient oriental storyline. Whilst being read the story Children will relish looking at the pictures in wonderment, devouring the very different cultural aspects associated with ancient Chinese society.
The story, whilst there are some advanced aspects to its telling, is suitable for three to eight years olds, which is made possible by the inclusion of cross curricular traits. There are some lovely adjectives, a wide variety of connectives and rhyming words for the children to investigate.
Alongside the accompanying illustrations, the book conveys the cultural and historical differences between England and China, which can be explored further as additional spin-off projects. The book can be used to cover a wide range of subjects such as History, Geography, PSHE, Literacy and Art or just a simple fable that highlights an underlying moral tale. It is a book which is diverse in many ways - whilst beautiful, imaginative and compelling at the same time can be toted as a timeless classic in my eyes.
May 31, 2020
I am drawn to this book because of its cultural setting and its lesson. I also find myself drawn to the illustrations, slightly muted in tone with characters drawn as if not to be noticed on the page. The rhyme reads easily and fluently, demanding your attention to keep up with its pace and need for intonation.
And so to the moral, does Shen keep true to her promise to 'paint only for the poor'? A powerful Emperor, a little girl, who is the wiser? Plenty to see and talk about, and a super narrative poem to divide up between the class to learn and perform. Huge topic potential.
And so to the moral, does Shen keep true to her promise to 'paint only for the poor'? A powerful Emperor, a little girl, who is the wiser? Plenty to see and talk about, and a super narrative poem to divide up between the class to learn and perform. Huge topic potential.
July 29, 2022
4,5 stars - English hardcover
Review follows later.
Review follows later.
October 27, 2011
This book is about a young girl who is given a magic paintbrush and whatever she paints comes to life. She paints practical objects like food, a ladder etc for those in her village. Her only exception is that she is to paint only for the poor but when the rich emperor hears of her this he locks her up when she refuses to paint lavish things for him. She finally paints a key to escape from him and he does not come after her as she threatens to paint and bring a dragon to life. She then goes on to have a celebration in her village with her loved ones. I really enjoyed this book because it has a really positive message for children to learn. It helps to teach them that they should give to those less fortunate than them and to not be greedy. I think it is also good for them to understand that the important things in life are not only material things but things we often take for granted like food, basic survival necessities. I think the magic paintbrush can be a reference to hard work in today’s society. If you work hard and try your best you can get anything you want. Of course the paintbrush was just given to her and that could be a misconception within children that they can simply wait around for good things to happen. However, overall, I think the book delivers a positive and warming message of community and good will and to avoid being greedy for good things to come your way.
June 11, 2012
This story book is wonderful and unique in its own right. I just love the way Julia Donaldson writes a fantastic book but adds the feature of morals and hidden messages. I read this book at a university based lecture and I will endeavour to purchase it for my daughter to read with her friends.
The story is about a girl called Shen who is given the amazing gift of a magic paintbrush. She is told never to paint for rich people but to use it to help the poor. But the emperor hears about Shen and decides he will use her gift to add to his already enormous wealth. Shen of course refuses and is thrown into jail by him. As her paintings come to life she finds a way to get herself out of jail and get rid of this horrible Emperor once and for all. Because Shen is a beautiful person she decides against it but finds a way for the whole village to live happily ever after.
This story has a wonderful moral at the end, a moral for both adults and children to ponder upon. The illustrations are amazing and add a unique touch to the book. This book can be read time and time again and the children will not be bored. Highly recommended text.
The story is about a girl called Shen who is given the amazing gift of a magic paintbrush. She is told never to paint for rich people but to use it to help the poor. But the emperor hears about Shen and decides he will use her gift to add to his already enormous wealth. Shen of course refuses and is thrown into jail by him. As her paintings come to life she finds a way to get herself out of jail and get rid of this horrible Emperor once and for all. Because Shen is a beautiful person she decides against it but finds a way for the whole village to live happily ever after.
This story has a wonderful moral at the end, a moral for both adults and children to ponder upon. The illustrations are amazing and add a unique touch to the book. This book can be read time and time again and the children will not be bored. Highly recommended text.
January 19, 2013
Another wonderful book written by Julia Donaldson in which we see the story of a young girl named 'Shen' whom battles the greed of a selfish Emperor. Shen is given a magical paintbrush which she is told can only be used to help the poor. Shen helps the people by painting objects that they require in order to directly help them or to become more independently sustainable. However the greedy Emperor hears of the child's gift and demands riches. Shen refuses and is thrown into a prison. The Emperor continues to demand Shen to paint him a tree of gold. Through Shen's courage and well grounded morals she refuses and uses her paintbrush to frighten the Emperor away.
This is a lovely picture book with some spectacular illustrations. The well rooted morals of the story are easily linked to everyday scenarios. With the elements of magic, adventure and surprise this makes a lovely book for Foundation stage all the way through to lower Key Stage two.
This would be a fantastic book for PSHE, Art, Geography and English and is defiantly a book I hope to use within one of my future placements.
This is a lovely picture book with some spectacular illustrations. The well rooted morals of the story are easily linked to everyday scenarios. With the elements of magic, adventure and surprise this makes a lovely book for Foundation stage all the way through to lower Key Stage two.
This would be a fantastic book for PSHE, Art, Geography and English and is defiantly a book I hope to use within one of my future placements.
October 28, 2020
I was recommended this book by a friend, I hadn't heard of this Julia Donaldson book so I was excited to read it. The story involves rhyme. The book seems to be based in Asia which would allow for links with geography. The girl in the story used her magic paintbrush to paint for the poor and they turn real. The lines in the illustrations could show how the people are trapped. The emperor imprisons the girl for not painting him something he is shown to have power. The story has lots of words which adds detail.
September 20, 2021
The Magic Paintbrush is a tale that is set in China and has a folk and fairy-like atmosphere to it.
The story is simple yet beautiful with added lovely rhymes from Julia Donaldson and each page is a painting illustrated by Joel Stewart that accompanies the story nicely.
I tend to rate my read books more by the story rather than the illustrations but since these are picture books I'll do give my opinion on them, too. Each illustrator has their own style and niche and I appreciate each one I see but of course there will be ones I like more than others.
With that said the artist has an interesting style and I enjoyed it. 3.5 stars for the whole story.
The story is simple yet beautiful with added lovely rhymes from Julia Donaldson and each page is a painting illustrated by Joel Stewart that accompanies the story nicely.
I tend to rate my read books more by the story rather than the illustrations but since these are picture books I'll do give my opinion on them, too. Each illustrator has their own style and niche and I appreciate each one I see but of course there will be ones I like more than others.
With that said the artist has an interesting style and I enjoyed it. 3.5 stars for the whole story.
June 28, 2023
The Magic Paintbrush by Julia Donaldson is what I would define as a Robin Hood style story told as a poem. It shows Chinese culture and how the Emperors ruled during that time period, whilst also establishing the faiths of the country. Donaldson sets up a series of lessons that can be used when studying China as a topic and uses typical rhyming during the course of the book. This can then create lessons where children develop their own rhymes and develops their imaginations for what they would draw with the magic paintbrush.
January 9, 2018
رز عاشق نقاشی بود. او خیلی فقیر بود و هیچ خودکار و مدادی نداشت.او با چوب روی ماسه نقاشی می کشید.روزی از روزها پیرزنی رز را دید و گفت: «سلام! بیا این قلم مو و کاغذها رو بگیر. مال تو.» رز با لبخندی گفت: «خیلی ممنون!» رز خیلی خوشحال بود.با خود فکر کرد: «بذار ببینم، چی بکشم؟» اطراف را نگاه کرد و اردکی را در برکه دید. «فهمیدم! یه اردک می کشم!» همین کار را کرد. ناگهان اردک از کاغذ به بیرون پرید و به سمت برکه پرواز کرد. او گفت: «وای! این قلم مو سحرآمیزه!»
April 26, 2017
Unutterably gorgeous, not only are the illustrations brilliant but so is Julia Donaldson's lovely story about holding your ground against bullies. Is made extra special by the autograph Julia Donaldson wrote for me!
March 23, 2023
I loved this book so much as a child, I still do now. The artwork is Beautiful.
June 17, 2019
This story is about a girl called Shen. There is lots of rhyme and colour with bright and clear illustrations. The emperor captures her in prison and won't let her go until he sees evidence of her magic brush.
April 1, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this fable, I loved the magic and hope within it- the teasing out that there is a difference between need and greed and that solidarity is owed more to some than to others. The book simply skims over any sort of internal conflicts (eg the consequences of not producing food- although I guess the point to to value also intellectual and artistic "work"; also e.g. any moral conflict- desire to please the emperor or fear by Shen) to have a simple movement where one thing logically follows the other- although she is imprisoned at one point.
Sharing and giving in this book is about abundance and celebration, not about achieving a budget surplus and this book could be an interesting addition into social discourses around "social security" and who is entitled to public spending...of course I wouldn't go there with kindergarteners).
I have some reservations around a write author appropriating a Chinese story (however beautifully) and not even having a "note to the reader" about where the story came from. I wonder if Edward Said would find this an example of his problematic "Orientalism" and I feel a little uncomfortable with it. I am personally slightly over rhyme but nevertheless enjoyed the way the story unfolded and the nearly dragon (I was almost disappointed but Donaldson immediately threw in a party to distract me- in a good way.
It had charm...
Sharing and giving in this book is about abundance and celebration, not about achieving a budget surplus and this book could be an interesting addition into social discourses around "social security" and who is entitled to public spending...of course I wouldn't go there with kindergarteners).
I have some reservations around a write author appropriating a Chinese story (however beautifully) and not even having a "note to the reader" about where the story came from. I wonder if Edward Said would find this an example of his problematic "Orientalism" and I feel a little uncomfortable with it. I am personally slightly over rhyme but nevertheless enjoyed the way the story unfolded and the nearly dragon (I was almost disappointed but Donaldson immediately threw in a party to distract me- in a good way.
It had charm...
June 6, 2012
This story book is wonderful and unique in its own right. The story is about a girl called Shen who is given the amazing gift of a magic paintbrush. She is told never to paint for rich people but to use it to help the poor. But the emperor hears about shen and decides he will use her gift to add to his already enormous wealth, Shen of course refuses and is thrown into jail by him. This story has a wonderful moral at the end, a moral for both adults and children to ponder upon. The illustrations are amazing and add a unique touch to the book. This book can be read time and time again the children will not be bored.
October 22, 2014
Beautiful story :)
December 5, 2024
1. "The Magic Paintbrush" by Julia Donaldson, beautifully illustrated by Joel Stewart, is an enchanting tale targeted primarily at children aged 5 to 8 years old. This captivating story not only delights young readers with its
2. The story follows the journey of a young girl named Shen, who receives a magical paintbrush that brings to life anything she paints. However, Shen's adventures take a turn when a greedy emperor learns of her magic gift and demands she paint only for him. Throughout the tale, Shen uses her cleverness and courage to ensure the magic of the paintbrush benefits those who truly need it, rather than falling into the hands of the selfish. The underlying message of using one's talents for the greater good is a heartwarming lesson that resonates powerfully with young readers.
3. I chose this book for my library because it not only entertains but also educates. The narrative encourages children to embrace creativity, be empathetic, and stand up against injustice. Shen's story is a testament to the impact one individual can have, making it a valuable addition to a child's literary collection. Incorporating "The Magic Paintbrush" into my classroom, I plan to create a lesson rooted in both literacy and art. Beginning with a group reading, I'd encourage the students to discuss Shen’s choices and the consequences of her actions. Following this, the class would explore the concept of magic through art; each student would receive their own 'paintbrush' and be tasked with drawing something they wish they could bring to life. This activity not only cultivates creativity but also encourages them to think about using their talents to benefit others. By blending storytelling with an engaging art project, I aim to reinforce the book’s themes while allowing students to express their interpretations creatively.
2. The story follows the journey of a young girl named Shen, who receives a magical paintbrush that brings to life anything she paints. However, Shen's adventures take a turn when a greedy emperor learns of her magic gift and demands she paint only for him. Throughout the tale, Shen uses her cleverness and courage to ensure the magic of the paintbrush benefits those who truly need it, rather than falling into the hands of the selfish. The underlying message of using one's talents for the greater good is a heartwarming lesson that resonates powerfully with young readers.
3. I chose this book for my library because it not only entertains but also educates. The narrative encourages children to embrace creativity, be empathetic, and stand up against injustice. Shen's story is a testament to the impact one individual can have, making it a valuable addition to a child's literary collection. Incorporating "The Magic Paintbrush" into my classroom, I plan to create a lesson rooted in both literacy and art. Beginning with a group reading, I'd encourage the students to discuss Shen’s choices and the consequences of her actions. Following this, the class would explore the concept of magic through art; each student would receive their own 'paintbrush' and be tasked with drawing something they wish they could bring to life. This activity not only cultivates creativity but also encourages them to think about using their talents to benefit others. By blending storytelling with an engaging art project, I aim to reinforce the book’s themes while allowing students to express their interpretations creatively.
February 11, 2020
When drawing images in the sand and seeing them be washed away in the sand. Shen is approached by a man who owns a magic paintbrush. The paintbrush is able to transform what is painted into something real. Shen was asked by her family to catch shrimp, fish and oysters for the family meal. She returns with none but uses her new paintbrush to paint the food. As the painting becomes real others hear of the magic Shen holds.
The man had told her not to paint for the rich and only the poor. This relates to the morals within Robin Hood where the poor receive and the rich do not.
However an Emperor here’s of the things Shen has created and demands riches. When Shen refuses (upholding her promise to the man) she is imprisoned but soon uses her brush to escape.
The moral of this story is about keeping promises despite potential consequences. This can relate to PSHE and discussing promises and where things should be shared. There is also an obvious link to art and creating life like images or sculptures.
The man had told her not to paint for the rich and only the poor. This relates to the morals within Robin Hood where the poor receive and the rich do not.
However an Emperor here’s of the things Shen has created and demands riches. When Shen refuses (upholding her promise to the man) she is imprisoned but soon uses her brush to escape.
The moral of this story is about keeping promises despite potential consequences. This can relate to PSHE and discussing promises and where things should be shared. There is also an obvious link to art and creating life like images or sculptures.
June 2, 2024
A sweet children's book. This is not my favourite Julia Donaldson book but it held up quite well, I liked how Shen kept her promise to only paint for the poor. I know it's only a children's book but I was frustrated with the fact that the man who gives her the paintbrush whispers "Hush! We don't want all the world to know about this magic brush" yet Shen makes no effort whatsoever at any point to conceal it's magic. I'm not sure the moral of the story comes across as easily as it does in some other similar books, afterall this book also shows her ignoring her chores and responsibilities early on and being rewarded with magic for it and then at the end has her casually lying to the emperor, if she hadn't been quite so loud about her magic brush perhaps she wouldn't have ended up captured anyway, maybe I'm over thinking it though. Overall there are definitely children's books id reccomend far more than this one.
September 3, 2018
A narrative poem telling a moral tale of generosity conquering greed and desire for wealth. As ever, Donaldson’s language is upbeat and charming, rolls easily off the tongue and would clearly entice children to read aloud or perform. This book felt a little bit different to her previous works that I have read. Perhaps it the traditional form to the illustrations and the atmosphere of powerful, ancient magic -which almost has a maturer edge compared to the bold and imaginatively fun texts like Stick Man or Tiddler (all of excellent potential). To me, it was the immersive quality to the partnership between author and illustrator that held this story above previous reads from Donaldson. They so eloquently depict a part of Chinese culture and have produced a story that feels that it could be passed through generations of families- both for the reader and those within the narrative.
December 10, 2019
Shen is given a magic paintbrush, and with it whatever she paints becomes real. She gets captured by the emperor, who demands that she paint gold for him, but she manages to outwit him and escape. I'm sure this is based off of an old Chinese fable because I've definitely heard this story before, but it's told in a lovely way - definitely a lesson in extrapolational thinking! The illustrations are gorgeous - they're the main reason that the story has stuck in my head so solidly - and I will definitely be revisiting this with my little one when she's old enough to appreciate it, as she wasn't too impressed by the traditional pastel-shaded drawings.
August 11, 2018
The moral of the story is about the importance of making promises; the simple moral message in this story was Shen regarding ad keeping the promise of how to use the paintbrush from the instructions of the man. Shen shows that she can listen, be brave, show responsibility and keep the promises even when being faced with greedy wealth; emperor. The other message that is important is that children may learn that greed is not a good thing but instead it is important to care for others less fortunate then our selves.
This book is worth reading because it gives an important message that’s intrigues the reader to continue to read. The Illustrations are beautiful which helped me to picture the plot of the story.
April 26, 2024
I have used this book multiple times across a range of different year groups and it is always well loved and received by the children. The illustrations within the book provide great talking points and opportunities for the children to experiment with this style in their own artwork, providing chance for cross-curricular learning.
December 20, 2016
Its a beautiful picture book, easy to read rhythmic and all time hit story.
Despite knowing every next turn of event, I loved being a kid again.
My son would be making all imaginary drawings giving life to them once he reads it...
Despite knowing every next turn of event, I loved being a kid again.
My son would be making all imaginary drawings giving life to them once he reads it...
September 1, 2018
“The Magic Paintbrush” by Julia Donaldson and Joel Stewart (Illustrator) was an adorable picture book which introduces our main character, Shen, who uses her magic paintbrush to help the poor and who refuses to be defeated by a selfish emperor.
February 26, 2024
Another brilliantly written book by Julia Donaldson. Not only is the story entertaining but it shows a different culture and provides an opportunity for conversations. What would you use the magic paintbrush to draw?
January 7, 2018
A young girl, Shen, defeats the greedy Emperor with quick thinking and staying loyal to an instruction.
May 3, 2019
Such a wonderfully written and illustrated story, a true gem.
July 21, 2019
Beautiful illustrations, poetic language, diversity of story and characters, a clear and kind message... What's not to love?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews