March 4, 2024
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.
April 1, 2024
What would you draw if your brush had the power to bring your art to life? Seventh grader Amy Li has always loved drawing, but things haven't been the same since she decided to "take art seriously." Her old creations now feel embarrassingly childish, and she struggles to find her own style. While staying with Lao Lao, her maternal grandmother, in Queens over spring break, Amy discovers a magic jade and gold paintbrush that has the power to make whatever she paints come alive. But even as Luna, her imaginary friend who has a tiger's body with a feathered head and toucan's beak, springs from her sketchbook, something sinister awakens in the mountains surrounding Guilin, China. Amy soon recognizes the brush's dangerous potential. With the support of Lao Lao, Luna, and best friend Diego (who's cued Latine), she must fight to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. This fast-paced, action-packed reimagining of a classic Chinese tale features compelling prose and heartwarming relationships. Chapters from the antagonist's point of view create suspense and a real sense of danger as readers learn the extent of his selfishness and greed. Many readers who grapple with their own insecurities will relate to Amy's pervasive self-doubts. Zhong's illustrations add flavor to the story, breaking up the text to support young readers while leaving room for the imagination. An exciting tale of friendship, family, and embracing the magic of our imagination. (Fantasy. 8-12)
COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
April 15, 2024
Grades 3-7 Middle-grade readers will delight in this magical story about the power of art and imagination. Chinese American Amy Li loves art. Amy's parents go on a trip, leaving her at Lao Lao's house. She's captivated by the art objects in her grandmother's apartment, especially a jade paintbrush. When she accidentally breaks the brush, the two broken pieces magically bond back together, and when Amy paints with it, Luna, a hybrid beast, comes to life from the painting. Not every object painted by the brush comes alive, however; intent and concentration matter. Meanwhile, Chen, a ne'er-do-well, seeks the brush for his own benefit. Not knowing how to control the brush or how much power it has, Chen and Amy's first meeting results in magic going amok. Together with Lao Lao and her best friend Diego, Amy must keep the brush away from Chen. Black-and-white illustrations throughout the book help readers visualize the magical creatures created. Readers will become invested in Amy's enchanted adventure in this exciting and imaginative story with nail-biting passages.
COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
December 13, 2024
Gr 4-6-Zhang blends fantasy and adventure in this series debut celebrating art, imagination, and a time-honored Chinese folktale. It's spring break, and seventh grader Amy Li is sent to Lao Lao's "art-infested" apartment in Flushing, Queens, while her parents vacation without her. There, Amy finds-and breaks-a jade paintbrush, and watches the pieces come back together, like magic. Amy learns that everything the brush paints springs to life, including Luna, her imaginary friend with a tiger's body and bird's head. What she thought would be a boring stay with her grandmother becomes a fast-paced rescue mission to Guilin, China, where a greedy young man whose family lays claim to the magic paintbrush, will do anything to get it back. With Luna and best friend Diego by her side, Amy learns to use her imagination, creativity, and persistence to tackle the challenges she faces. Along the way, she comes to believe in the power of teamwork, friendship, and most importantly, herself. The book's short chapters and many illustrations, printed in gray scale, help set the pace of the story. Amy's character reads young for a seventh grader and will likely appeal to readers in lower grades. VERDICT A charming and exciting read for upper-elementary readers.-Alicia Rogers
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