The Magic Paintbrush

by Robin Muller

A story of magic and wonder inspired by a Chinese folk tale.  Full-colour throughout

Nib, a young orphan, has but one wish- to paint pictures so real people will think they are alive.  One night Nib rescues an old man from a gang of thugs, and receives his wish as a reward for his bravery.  But Nib's dream is nearly his downfall, as a greedy king tries to take advantage of the boy's gift.  Nib finally triumphs, but only after he has learned a valuable lesson.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Fairy Tales

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 1989

About the author

He was an enterprising child who began his own small publishing house at the age of eight. His passion for storytelling continued into high school where he started a second, competing school paper named Exodus. Muller's paper featured creative writing by students including short stories, poetry, book reviews and paid advertising. Muller left high school at sixteen to make his living as an artist, in the Yorkville section of downtown Toronto. Muller enjoyed the six years he spent painting because "Art is self-indulgent as opposed to publishing books. Only one person has to buy a painting for it to be successful". (Writing Stories, Making Pictures, 234) Gradually, his interest in the fine arts waned and Robin Muller began looking for a new creative outlet. With his interest in narrative revived, he sought out a medium where he could marry his storytelling and illustrating abilities.

Muller's interest in children's books began in his teens, when he worked in a publisher's warehouse. He found the children's books so fascinating that he decided to try to write and illustrate his own book. However, his first book, Rupert's Star, was rejected by every publisher he sent it to. Disappointed by the publishers' responses, Muller waited ten years before he attempted another book. Muller was twenty-nine when his second book The Sorcerer's Apprentice, appeared in bookstores.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice theme, but told treacly. Also the art is annoying... it's as if The Wizard of Oz had been filmed all in B&W, not just the Kansas scenes. Some will love it, esp. those who love Disney and Hallmark specials.

Read The Magic Paintbrush by Laurence Yep or some version of The Boy Who Drew Cats instead.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nib was a poor orphan boy who was uneducated, but who could draw very well. After saving an old man from an attack, he was given a magic paintbrush that would make his drawings come alive. When the greedy king found out, Nib had to be creatively clever to escape him and discover what else the magic paintbrush could teach him. Gorgeously illustrated.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting fantasy story I am across while shelf reading.

[Asha Dhanoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on an old Chinese tale, makes me curious to explore the original story. It was a bit confusing near the end but still a fun adventure!