Site Map | Français | About Us Scholastic Canada Customer Service | Products | Home




  Families   Teachers Kids   Teen Reads- Ages 12 and Up  
Book CentralWhat's New?Authors & IllustratorsStuff to Do
Search All Titles



Scholastic Canada Ltd.
ISBN 0-439-98861-6 PBK
32 pages
Ages 5-9

Read an Excerpt
Write a Review




The Magic Paintbrush
by Robin Muller

Nib, a young orphan, has only one wish — to paint pictures so real, people will think they are alive. One night, Nib rescues an old man from a gang of thugs, and receives his wish as a reward for his bravery. But Nib's dream is nearly his downfall, as a greedy king tries to take advantage of the boy's gift. Nib finally triumphs, but must summon all of the wisdom he has gained in his travels to defeat the evil king.

This brilliantly illustrated tale won Robin Muller the Governor General's Award.

"Muller's magical tale glimmers with shadow, detail and mysterious visualizations, conceived and executed with a master's touch." — The Toronto Star


If you like this book...
...check out more
Fantasy!




Excerpt from THE MAGIC PAINT BRUSH
by Robin Muller

"I want to be an artist," said Nib fervently. "I want to paint pictures so real that people will think they are alive!"

The old man looked at Nib thoughtfully. "Do you?" he said. "Then I shall help you." He shuffled among his boxes and chests and then pulled open a small drawer. "Ah, here it is!"

He help up an intricately carved wooden box and pressed a small clasp. The lid popped open to reveal a palette, rows of paint tablets and one beautiful red paintbrush with golden hairs.

"This, my little friend, is for you." He held out the box. "The brush has been used to adorn the Words of Life, and the power of life is in its touch. It will help you make pictures while you see with your eyes. But one day you will learn to see with your heart, and ten you will no longer have need of it."

Nib was speechless with wonder. "Take it, take it!" insisted the old man. "It is small return for your kindness." Nib accepted the box and stuttered his thanks, almost fearing the old man would change his mind.

"Don't thank me, little one! Just remember that our lives, this world and everything in it is a gift. Let your pictures be the thanks."


From The Magic Paintbrush. Copyright © 1989, 2003 by Robin Muller.

^ Back to Top


Book Clubs | ClubsOnline | Book Fairs | Scholastic Education
Booksellers | Éditions Scholastic

TM & © - 1996 SCHOLASTIC Canada Ltd. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Web Privacy Policy | Web Terms of Use