Vibrant scenes reveal the changes in her work. Sonke’s expressive illustrations portray Scarlet as a free-spirited child wearing a flower crown. Painting in new ways sharpens her critical eye. Though Scarlet remains unaware of what’s happening to her, all of her experiments-successful or not-lay a foundation as well as a habit of practicing. Her unspoken fear of not being good enough and of being misunderstood morph into an empowering realization that it’s okay to branch out. The imaginative plot speaks to Scarlet’s insecurities as well as her increasing confidence. What at first seemed like a gift becomes an obstacle, but it nonetheless inspires growth. Once she finds the magic brush again, she concludes that it can’t replicate her detailed visions.

Scarlet tries painting left-handed, making her own brush, and finger-painting.

Supplied with different brushes, Scarlet tries again, but none of her family can guess her subjects. Impressed by the results, she’s at a loss once the brush is misplaced. When Scarlet finds a magic brush, she realizes it can recreate whatever she asks it to paint. Melissa Stoller, together with illustrator Sandie Sonke, adroitly portrays the freedom that comes when a child discovers the power of her own ideas. Perfection gives way to creativity in Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush, the story of a girl who loses her initial delight at producing accomplished art with the help of a special brush. With its read-aloud pleasure, Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush appeals to the artist in everyone.

Made with magic paintbrush