Publishers Weekly
03/04/2024
A Chinese American girl embarks on a high-stakes adventure in this stimulating tale filled with Chinese folklore. Though seventh grade New Yorker Amy Li isn’t thrilled about spending spring break with her Lao Lao in Flushing, the two bond over their mutual love of art. Amy learns that Lao Lao’s jade paintbrushes are magical when she accidentally breaks one—and it repairs itself. What’s more, her painting of her tiger-bodied, bird-headed imaginary friend Luna also becomes a living, talking creature. Meanwhile in China, university graduate Chen Wong is sent to live in Guilin by his parents because of his partying behavior. There, a painting of a monster called a taotie comes alive, and Chen resolves to find the magic paintbrush—and the reckless painter—that caused it. As Amy explores the brush’s limits, a video she posted of Luna alerts Chen to the item’s whereabouts, and Amy’s giddy explorations take a turn when the taotie takes Lao Lao. Infused with expressive art by Beijing artist Zhong, this vibrant story by Zhang (the Amy Wu series) and debut author Darnell details a thrilling escapade via swift storytelling and moments of humor, warmth, and growth. Ages 8–12. (May)
From the Publisher
"Inventive, playful, and bursting with action…this wildly fun and deeply inspiring book crosses oceans and reaches across generations, in order to touch our hearts." —David Henry Hwang, Tony Award Winner and 3-time Pulitzer Prize Finalist (M. Butterfly)
"Gorgeous and gripping! Brimming with imagination and heart, The Magic Paintbrush shines promisingly as a new fantasy franchise in the making.” —Soman Chainani, author of The School for Good and Evil series
"Enormously fun! Amy, Luna, and company will make you believe in the power of art!" —Gene Luen Yang, author American Born Chinese
"A mythical, multi-generational thrill ride for the ages—and a love letter to the universal power of Art and Imagination." —Mark Siegel, author of The 5 Worlds series
"An unforgettable fantasy adventure filled with humor, amazing illustrations, and the importance of never losing your creative spark." —Ellen Oh, author of Finding Junie Kim
"An earnest, heart-warming and captivating adventure, The Magic Paintbrush is a charming romp of a tale. Sure to touch anyone with a creative soul." —Jo Rioux, author of The Cat's Cradle series
"[A] high-stakes adventure in this stimulating tale filled with Chinese folklore....this vibrant story by Zhang and debut author Darnell details a thrilling escapade via swift storytelling and moments of humor, warmth, and growth." —Publishers Weekly
"An exciting tale of friendship, family, and embracing the magic of our imagination." —Kirkus Reviews
"Readers will become invested in Amy’s enchanted adventure in this exciting and imaginative story with nail-biting passages." —Booklist
