The Magic Paintbrush

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)