Laurence Yep

The Magic Paintbrush
I was drawn to this book initially because I thought that I could remember hearing a tale of a magic paintbrush sometime in my childhood. I found it very interesting the way Yep took an ancient Chinese tale and wove it into a modern novel. Presenting folklore in this contemporary way is ingenious. It gives a new generation of readers a way to connect to their past if they are of Chinese heritage or to learn about traditions of a different culture if they are not.

I like the way that Yep draws his readers into the story by giving them a way to identify with Steve, the young boy in the story. Most children can identify with the fear of losing a parent as well as an inability to fully communicate with an older generation. I also like any book that will give children a glimpse into what others may be going through. Steve didn't have a new paintbrush, but no one really knew why. It is important for children (and adults!) to learn not to draw conclusions about one's circumstances without trying to better understand the situation. Steve could not change his new position in life; however, he soon found that his outlook could change.

Steve thought that his Grandfather did not like him. When his grandfather gave him a treasured paintbrush, he found out that he did. Steve too had rushed to judgement and in so doing, had misjudged his grandfather's feelings.

This is a book that contains a great story, cultural connections, intergenrational connections and lessons about life. There are many beneficial things about it.

Other books by Laurence Yep included: Dream Soul, Coakroach Cooties, Dragon's Gate, and Hiroshima.