What do you think?
Rate this book
The Paint Brush Kid
Uncle Pancho is about to lose his house...Gregory and his friends love Uncle Panch. He isn't really anyone's uncle--he's their friend. So when he begins to tell the story of his life, Gregory has an idea. He will paint a story of Uncle Pancho's life. A gem of a book! The story goes straight to the heart. Reading level 3. Black and white illustrations.
67 pages, paperback
First published November 14, 1995
4 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Clyde Robert Bulla
102 books99 followersBorn to be a Writer
Almost as far back as he can remember, Clyde Robert Bulla wanted to write. Born on a farm in a small town in Missouri, Mr. Bulla's first school was a one-room country schoolhouse. One day his teacher asked each first grade student what he or she would do with a thousand dollars. Young Clyde answered that he would buy a table. His classmates laughed heartily, and his teacher was puzzled. “What I really meant,” says Mr. Bulla, “is a desk or other flat surface on which to write my stories!”
First Stories
Mr. Bulla's first piece of writing was titled, “How Planets Were Born.” The ambitious opening sentence was, “One night old Mother Moon had a million babies.” All through school, Mr. Bulla continued to write stories mostly, but plays and poetry, too. After years of gathering editor's rejection slips, Mr. Bulla sold a magazine story, then several more. Soon after, Mr. Bulla wrote a novel and a publisher accepted it.
The Difficult Years
In the excitement of publishing a novel, Mr. Bulla wrote two more books. Unfortunately, no one wanted to publish them. His luck took a turn for the worse when the publisher of his first book went bankrupt. For several years, he worked at a local weekly newspaper where he struggled with linotype, kept books, collected bills, and wrote a weekly column.
Success!
A couple of Mr. Bulla's weekly columns caught the attention of a well-known author and illustrator of children's books. She wrote to Mr. Bulla, suggesting that he try writing a children's book. He immediately sent her a manuscript for a children's book he'd written a year before. Within one week, an editor of a New York publisher read the manuscript,and it was accepted. The book was The Donkey Cart, published in 1946. Since then, Mr. Bulla has written over twenty books for children, as well as the music for several children's song books.
About The Chalk Box Kid
“When I was young,” explains Mr. Bulla, “I sometimes found it hard to cope in new surroundings, and I was apt to get off on the wrong foot. This is the story of a boy who got off on the wrong foot in a new school and how he tried to cope.” In describing the chalk garden, Mr. Bulla says, “I gave Gregory something I've always wished for: a big, blank wall that I could cover with my own drawings.”
Almost as far back as he can remember, Clyde Robert Bulla wanted to write. Born on a farm in a small town in Missouri, Mr. Bulla's first school was a one-room country schoolhouse. One day his teacher asked each first grade student what he or she would do with a thousand dollars. Young Clyde answered that he would buy a table. His classmates laughed heartily, and his teacher was puzzled. “What I really meant,” says Mr. Bulla, “is a desk or other flat surface on which to write my stories!”
First Stories
Mr. Bulla's first piece of writing was titled, “How Planets Were Born.” The ambitious opening sentence was, “One night old Mother Moon had a million babies.” All through school, Mr. Bulla continued to write stories mostly, but plays and poetry, too. After years of gathering editor's rejection slips, Mr. Bulla sold a magazine story, then several more. Soon after, Mr. Bulla wrote a novel and a publisher accepted it.
The Difficult Years
In the excitement of publishing a novel, Mr. Bulla wrote two more books. Unfortunately, no one wanted to publish them. His luck took a turn for the worse when the publisher of his first book went bankrupt. For several years, he worked at a local weekly newspaper where he struggled with linotype, kept books, collected bills, and wrote a weekly column.
Success!
A couple of Mr. Bulla's weekly columns caught the attention of a well-known author and illustrator of children's books. She wrote to Mr. Bulla, suggesting that he try writing a children's book. He immediately sent her a manuscript for a children's book he'd written a year before. Within one week, an editor of a New York publisher read the manuscript,and it was accepted. The book was The Donkey Cart, published in 1946. Since then, Mr. Bulla has written over twenty books for children, as well as the music for several children's song books.
About The Chalk Box Kid
“When I was young,” explains Mr. Bulla, “I sometimes found it hard to cope in new surroundings, and I was apt to get off on the wrong foot. This is the story of a boy who got off on the wrong foot in a new school and how he tried to cope.” In describing the chalk garden, Mr. Bulla says, “I gave Gregory something I've always wished for: a big, blank wall that I could cover with my own drawings.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 14, 2020
Read this aloud to Jackson. Sweet and enjoyable story that follows up the Chalk Box Boy. Good discussion starter on how things may not always end up the way we hoped for but it can still work out and have a happy ending.
May 17, 2024
This one didn’t carry the same charm as The Chalk Box Kid!
August 14, 2017
A pleasant story about a respectful, thoughtful kid who likes to do kindness and create art.
Recommended for those who like simple, realistic stories about kind kids from a small town (somewhere in the story one of the adults mentions that they live in a big city, but I don't think that the children woul be allowed to walk around so much by themselves in a big city?).
Recommended for those who like simple, realistic stories about kind kids from a small town (somewhere in the story one of the adults mentions that they live in a big city, but I don't think that the children woul be allowed to walk around so much by themselves in a big city?).
October 14, 2019
so so so so so so so so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 5, 2020
The followup to the book “The Chalk Box Kid” by the same author, I read this book aloud to my son. Again, this is an older book, so kids may have questions!
Gregory meets Uncle Pancho, the friendly neighborhood old man. Uncle Pancho is known for telling stories! He tells of his family in Mexico, and a son here in the US that he hasn’t seen in years. Gregory gets an idea to paint Uncle Pancho’s house! Can they help an old man in return for his kindness?
Gregory meets Uncle Pancho, the friendly neighborhood old man. Uncle Pancho is known for telling stories! He tells of his family in Mexico, and a son here in the US that he hasn’t seen in years. Gregory gets an idea to paint Uncle Pancho’s house! Can they help an old man in return for his kindness?
November 3, 2022
Almost as magical as the first book (The Chalk Box Kid). Definitely worth the half hour it'll take you to read it. I don't feel that it's dated, either. Maybe a tiny bit in that the kids are allowed out of their yards, but it's not like they roam the city or anything.
February 6, 2019
Read these books since I was 5!
April 6, 2021
AR 2.8
March 7, 2023
Good little beginner chapter book sequel.
March 27, 2024
This was a fun, short read with a good story for kids. It wasn’t as good as the chalk box kid, but I still believe it is worth reading.
October 9, 2019
My 7 year old read this and loved it so much, he brought it to me to read for myself. Love that kind of praise from little readers. And, he was right! I delightful little read!
September 10, 2023
Adorable, but I found it too juvenile for my taste.
—don’t get me wrong, i KNOW this is a book for young children. But there were many times i have gratefully encountered eloquent, visceral books (written for young readers) that reach beyond any age and is packed with great meaning and purpose.
⬆️Those kind of books are my standard.
And unfortunately, this book didn’t meet mine. (I wouldn’t recommend it to an eloquent fellow child or one who wants to be eloquent).
I must note though, that the illustrations are amusing; and the story does make an important point of how things won’t go exactly the way you want it to, but can end up nicely in another way you didn’t imagine<3
—don’t get me wrong, i KNOW this is a book for young children. But there were many times i have gratefully encountered eloquent, visceral books (written for young readers) that reach beyond any age and is packed with great meaning and purpose.
⬆️Those kind of books are my standard.
And unfortunately, this book didn’t meet mine. (I wouldn’t recommend it to an eloquent fellow child or one who wants to be eloquent).
I must note though, that the illustrations are amusing; and the story does make an important point of how things won’t go exactly the way you want it to, but can end up nicely in another way you didn’t imagine<3
February 14, 2024
One summer morning, Ivy comes by Gregory’s chalk garden looking for her brother, Richard. They join forces to find him and end up at Uncle Pancho’s house only to find Richard sitting under the orange tree. The children love hearing Uncle Pancho tell stories about his childhood in Mexico. Gregory decides to paint Pancho’s house. Ivy’s father donates the paint, and the children set to work. They learn that Uncle Pancho built the house himself. He tells him that last year some men came and told him that a highway would be built through his property. Uncle Pancho fretted for a time, but the neighborhood barber told him that it wouldn’t happen. So, Uncle Pancho hadn’t thought about it since. When Gregory suggests that he paint pictures of Pancho’s boyhood on the house walls, Pancho rejects the idea. But, then, he changes his mind. Gregory and Ivy paint wondrous pictures depicting all of the stories Pancho told them. A short time later, Pancho’s worst nightmare comes true. Can they come up with an idea to save the house?
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
April 6, 2009
I was very happy to see that a sequel to "The Chalk Box Kid" had been written, as it would allow me to see more of Gregory! Clyde Robert Bulla didn't let me down, as he never does. I did prefer the original, but I was grateful for another chance to read about Gregory, and to see what Clyde Robert Bulla had in store for him so many years after he had written "The Chalk Box Kid". Another good story from a good writer.
January 31, 2015
Loved this book! Clyde Bulla is one of my favorite children's authors and this book shows why he is a top notch writer for children. I grew up in the 1960's reading his books like Old Charlie and Ghost Town Treasure. Now I'm re reading old favorites and new titles (to me). This was a sequel to an earlier book, although it is also a stand alone book. Looking forward to my continued Hunt for all things Bulla.
September 13, 2013
I really like Gregory and his creative spirit. The idea of putting murals on a house is such a neat idea, and using the stories of the man who lives there to do it makes it all perfect. I love how there are no cliche endings, but there IS a happy ending. Realistic and brave and interesting - I highly recommend this book.
June 17, 2015
The book was cute for its intended audience but the thought of having some kid using my house as a canvas is a bit far fetched. It had some endearing parts to it and a great message of community and helping your neighbor in need.
February 2, 2016
Super outdated and I'm not sure what kind of a message it is sending that they end up pulling his house to a new spot. Lots of kids lose their houses or move for one reason or another and I don't think it's realistic to have this idea conveyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 23, 2007Bulla, Clyde R.
April 3, 2010
This makes me want to read the first book, The Chalk Box Kid...
December 29, 2012
Boys thought it was OK.
Read
December 31, 2013AR Quiz No. 28322 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 2.8 - AR Pts: 1.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP, VP
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 2.8 - AR Pts: 1.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP, VP
Read
June 12, 2014x4
October 2, 2014
The boys liked it. I liked that it wasn't as predictable as it could have been. :)
August 21, 2015
this book is a great fifth grade level book.Gregory the main character has alot of good traits i relate to.I like how Gregory does not give up.you should totaly read this book!
January 16, 2016
Books about heroes are always good, especially when the hero is a child with a special talent -- painting in this case.
November 22, 2023
A continuation of The Chalk Box kid, enjoyable story of a young boy who tries to help a neighbor through his art.
October 29, 2016
I really did not like it because I just think the story is strange and weird.
February 5, 2017
Really good children's story. Sometimes you don't have to be related to be family.
December 12, 2009
will he be mad or will his so called uncle let him paint?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews