The Magic Brush: A Story of Love, Family, and Chinese Characters
Too old for afternoon naps, Jasmine entertains herself in an empty playroom until her grandfather—or “Agong”—suggests that she is old enough for “magic.” Making Jasmine the hero of his story, Agong tells and illustrates a short fantasy introducing Chinese characters. The two continue to share magical afternoons until Agong’s illness and subsequent death. Saddened but also inspired, Jasmine begins to show her younger brother the words she learned from their grandfather, sharing the magic. Chinese characters are conspicuously embedded in simple, clear illustrations rendered in cut-paper collage and rubber stamp and ink.  Most of the images are familiar, but two monkeys introduce the word friends, not an obvious connection. English terms appear in bold lettering, with Chinese characters labeled on page edges. Not so much a story as an invitation to discover the language, this attractive introduction will intrigue curious children and enhance multicultural studies. Grades K-3. --Linda Perkins--This text refers to an alternateHardcoveredition.