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.

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. There are some lovely adjectives, a wide variety of connectives and rhyming words for the children to investigate.Īlongside 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 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. 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 illustrations are lovely and delicate, not the normal bold approach, complementing well the ancient oriental storyline. There is, however, her familiar strong but simple rhyming style running throughout. This is not a usual Julia Donaldson book, as there is not the normal 'fun' approach to the manner in which the story unfurls. I will say, however, that there is a happy ending. To discover what happens in this exciting and heart-warming story, you will have to read it for yourself. 'Seize the magic paintbrush and seize the girl called Shen.'

'The Emperor scowls and stamps his foot, bellowing to his men: 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. She is clearly instructed that the paintbrush will only work if she uses its abilities to help the poor.Īs 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 '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. 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. She is clearly instructed that the paintbrush will only work if she uses its abilities to help the poor.

'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. 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.more We liked this more than we expected to, the rhyming verse was a pleasure to read. 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. The tale has a nice idea, and you can see the appeal of wondering what you would paint with such a brush. I al Based on a traditional Chinese story, this book tells the tale of a young girl who is given a magic paintbrush. Based on a traditional Chinese story, this book tells the tale of a young girl who is given a magic paintbrush.

Magic paintbrush