The Magic Paintbrush

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One night, while painting, Ma Liang fell asleep and dreamed of an old man with a long white beard who gave him a magic paintbrush. When he woke up, Ma Liang found himself still holding the brush. He tested it out by drawing a bird that came to life and flew away. Excited by its power, Ma Liang went on to paint a fish that swam away in a river he drew. The Magic Paintbrush is a Chinese folktale that tells the story of Ma Liang, a kind young boy who loves to draw. He's gifted a magic paintbrush in his dream, and uses it to help others around him.

This...is my magic brush. When I draw with this, all my wishes come true! A strange old man in a white coat gave it to me...” — Bowser Jr., Super Mario Sunshine

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He was overjoyed when he finally got his hands on the paintbrush, and he brought his pals around to see his new acquisition. He drew many pictures, but none of them seemed to come alive for him. Included within The Magic Paintbrush is a wonderful message about being kind to others and putting generosity over greed. Good triumphs over evil, and Ma Liang makes his community a better place. This is an important lesson to inspire your young children with, and is a common theme in many great books you might be reading in class or at home. 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.

The teacher sneered at the shabby boy and replied, “What? A poor kid like you wants to learn to paint? You must be daydreaming! Get out of my sight!” Bowser • Bowser Jr. ( Shadow Mario) • Eely-Mouth • Gatekeeper • Gooper Blooper • King Boo • Manta • Mecha-Bowser • Monty Mole • Petey Piranha • Plungelo • Wiggler Ma Liang had the last laugh as he rode away on a white horse that he had drawn with the magic paintbrush. But the landlord and his men were not far behind, chasing him with swords drawn. Ma Liang calmly drew a bow and arrow with the brush and shot the landlord in the throat, killing him instantly. Ma Liang then galloped away and eventually arrived in the next village, safe and sound. The Fairy Tale of The Magic Paintbrush 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. 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.Blooper • Bullet Bills • Chain Chomp • Cheep Cheeps • Dolphins • Dry Bones • Fire Piranha Plants • Goomba • Jumbo Ray • King Bob-omb • Koopa Troopas • Lakitu • Lantern Eel • Magikoopas • Mole Miners • Monsters • Piantas • Screaming Pillars • Shy Guys • Sushi • Toads • Unagi