"Liang and the Magic Paintbrush" is a well-known Chinese folktale that tells the story of a young boy named Liang who discovers a magical paintbrush. In this tale, Liang is a poor but talented artist who loves to paint. One day, an old man gives him a brush and tells him that anything he paints with it will come to life. Excited by the opportunity, Liang begins to paint objects such as flowers, trees, and birds, and they instantly come to life. He soon realizes the power of the brush and the possibilities it holds. Liang decides to use his newfound ability to help others.
It's still a Chinese character, but the author and the artwork are Japanese.
In the original tale as it was first handed down decades, nay centry or more ago, Ma liang came froma a poor family and the paint brush brought wealth and comfort. I also thought that the idea about a magic paintbrush bringing paintings to life is truly creative and amazing as I never would have read about an object that would bring drawings to life, although that does seem to be the norm for many fairy tales.
Liang decides to use his newfound ability to help others. Word of Liang's talent spreads throughout the kingdom, and the greedy Emperor finds out about the magic paintbrush. He summons Liang to paint for him, but the Emperor's selfishness and desire for wealth and power bring out the worst in him.
Liang and the Magic Paintbrush (Reading Rainbow Books) - Softcover
When a poor boy in China receives a magical paintbrush, everything he paints turns to life. But the wicked emperor wants to capture the boy when he hears the news. The story will excite readers as the ruler gets his just reward when the boy creates a masterpiece that spells his doom.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:Demi has traveled and studied art throughout the world. She has received several art awards, including a Fulbright Scholarship to study in India, and her diverse range of work has been exhibited from coast to coast and even abroad. Among the mediums she works in are serigraph, watercolor, mobile, collage, and textile design.
Demi is the author and illustrator of many children's books, including Firebird, Buddha, The Dalai Lama and The Dragon's Tale. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she lives in Carnation, Washington.
Review:“Demi's telling matches her art in fantastic effects in her new book, a tale suggested by an ancient Chinese legend. Delicate shades of gold and blue contrast with fiery scarlets in surpassingly beautiful and authentic pictures showing strange happenings when a poor beggar boy, Liang, receives a magic paintbrush.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Beautiful full-color illustrations portray this ancient Chinese folktale in which Liang's wit helps him thwart a greedy emperor's plan.” ―Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
“The perennially popular story of Ma Liang and his magic paintbrush is here made into an attractive picture book. Demi's fine line and watercolor drawings are full of elaborate details which will entice readers to look and look again.” ―School Library Journal
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
He demands that Liang paint him gold and treasure, but Liang refuses, knowing that the Emperor's greed will corrupt the kingdom. In anger, the Emperor imprisons Liang and takes the brush for himself. However, when the Emperor tries to use the brush, he discovers that it no longer works. Without Liang's pure heart and selflessness, the magic brush loses its power. Liang manages to escape from the Emperor's grasp and uses his artistic skills to help the common people and bring happiness to their lives. Despite his hardships, Liang remains humble and true to his values. "Liang and the Magic Paintbrush" teaches several important lessons, including the value of selflessness, the consequences of greed, and the power of art to inspire and bring joy. The tale reminds us to use our talents for the greater good and to always stay true to our values, even in the face of adversity..
Reviews for "The Message of Empowerment: Liang and the Magic Paintbrush"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Liang and the Magic Paintbrush". The story felt cliché and predictable, with no real surprises or depth. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked development, making it hard to connect or root for them. Additionally, the writing style was quite basic and didn't engage me as a reader. Overall, I found this book to be lackluster and not worth the hype.
2. James - 1 star
I couldn't get through "Liang and the Magic Paintbrush". The plot was incredibly slow-paced, and I found myself losing interest after just a few chapters. The concept of a magic paintbrush had potential, but the execution fell flat. The descriptions were lacking, and I struggled to visualize the scenes. The dialogue felt unnatural, and the interactions between the characters were unrealistic. Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me.
3. Emma - 2 stars
"Liang and the Magic Paintbrush" was a letdown for me. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and confusing action. The story lacked cohesion and felt disjointed, making it difficult to follow along. Additionally, the book relied too heavily on telling rather than showing, leaving no room for imagination or interpretation. The ending was abrupt and left many loose ends unresolved. I wanted to enjoy this book, but I ultimately found it underwhelming.