The Magic Paintbrush

The Magic Paintbrush is a vibrant middle grade fantasy novel by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Phoebe Zhong, that blends Chinese folklore with contemporary adventure. The story follows eleven-year-old Amy, a Chinese American girl who discovers an ancient paintbrush at her grandmother Lao Lao's home. This magical brush brings anything she draws to life—starting with Luna, a mischievous creation who escapes into the streets of Flushing, Queens.

As Amy tries to recapture Luna, she finds herself swept into an international adventure filled with ghastly beasts, a greedy adversary, and the legend of a long-lost treasure. Along the way, she must confront her fears, embrace her heritage, and rediscover the passion behind her art. The novel explores themes of creativity, identity, and courage, all anchored in a rich cultural backdrop.