Purchase to Support Our Program

“[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

The Magic Paintbrush (The Magic Paintbrush #1)

Written by Kat Zhang and Eric Darnell
Illustrated by Phoebe Zhong
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers

Amy has always loved art, but lately her drawings have been less than impressive. There’s no passion, no personality, no…magic. Until Amy visits her Lao Lao, her grandmother, and finds an ancient paintbrush that brings anything Amy creates to life!

Now her creation Luna has taken over her bedroom and is running through the streets of Flushing, Queens. What awaits: an international adventure filled with an ancient Chinese legend, a greedy adversary and ghastly beasts!

Award-winning author Kat Zhang teams up with Eric Darnell to create a captivating highly-illustrated middle grade series debut about finding your own path, the power of imagination, and the strength of family.

Don’t miss the sequel: The Magic Paintbrush: The Guardian’s Quest (The Magic Paintbrush #2)

Primary ISBN: 9780593179932
Publication Date: May 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New York City NY), China (Guilin)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.