Scarlet's Magic Paintbrush
October 16, 2018
by Melissa Stoller  (Author), Sandie Sonke (Illustrator)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Scarlet%27s+Magic+Paintbrush&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
48 5-star reviews (88%)

Sample Reviews:

• An enjoyable story about a girl who discovers her creative streak
  By Hope-Librarian on May 17, 2019

 This is a sweet story that shows how a person’s creativity can grow, if given the chance. Scarlet has a magic paintbrush that paints pictures of magical characters and it does it perfectly. When the brush is lost, Scarlet doesn’t know what to do. She tries to paint with a regular brush, but her family doesn’t recognize what she’s trying to paint. Oh dear. She tries different ways to paint and she experiments with tools, but she still isn’t quite satisfied. She does discover, however, that she likes lines and swirls. When she finds the magic paintbrush again and it paints again, she realizes the pictures aren’t really what she wants, they’re what the paintbrush wants. During her time without the magic brush, she developed some ideas and got a taste of what it’s like to be creative. And so she puts the brush in a drawer, and starts to become a real painter, all by herself. The story is fascinating and illustrator Sonke shows her marvelous talent. Each page has interesting pictures for the little ones to explore.

• A wonderful story with an inspiring message
  By Shanna Silva on November 16, 2018

 Poor Scarlett. She loses her magic paintbrush that enables her to paint to perfection. When she paints without it, her family misinterprets her work, and nothing can compare to the magical ability she had to create her perfect pieces. Alas, when the magic paintbrush does turn up, Scarlet finds that it won't accept her artistic direction, and what was once perfect is much less appealing now that she has had a taste of being a true artiste. This delightful story promotes creativity, self acceptance, seeing the positive in a perceived flaw. It's great messaging for boys and girls alike. With wonderful narration by Melissa Stoller, and art that hits just the right tone by Sandie Sonke, Scarlet's Magic Paintbrush is a must read.

• Beautiful story!
  By Tina Shepardson on March 30, 2019

Scarlet's Magical Paintbrush is a beautiful story about a young girl figuring out her own style, her own way. While she enjoys the magic her paint brush creates, she is led on a journey of self-discovery once her relationship with the magic paint brush changes. This is an excellent story of self-reflection, building confidence and discovering your authentic self. Melissa Stoller's lyrical language and Sandie Sonke's beautifully detailed illustrations bring this valuable lesson to life. This couldn't be anything more magical for a child, could it?

• Fun and uplifting!
  By Sarah Floyd@kidlitsarahTwitter on November 11, 2018

This fun, engaging story pairs beautifully with its vibrant illustrations. I loved that Scarlet discovered her own style and was able to let go of perfectionism--such an important message for kids who sometimes get stuck trying to make things "perfect" instead of expressing and enjoying their natural talents and creativity. A wonderful and encouraging book!

• Gorgeous new book!
  By Sherry Howard on October 19, 2018

You know you have a winner when an older child (10) thumbs through the book and then wants it read aloud! Scarlet is indeed magical, and the story is universal. Sometimes what you wish for is not what you need! Join Scarlet as she explores magic and discovers her talent. The illustrations add so much to this story. This is a great addition to any home or library, and art teachers should especially love it!

• Believing in Oneself- A Great Story with a Great Message!
  By S.R. Shamsi on May 13, 2019

This is a story of finding your own personal creativity. Scarlet is a perfect artist until she loses her magic paint brush. In this fun story, with a beautiful message for children, Scarlet discovers her own creativity and no longer needs to rely on the magic paint brush. It’s important for children to embrace that their own talent is unique to themselves- and perfection is not the goal. I love how the illustrations fit so wonderfully with this delightful story.

• Scarlet Finds Her Own Magic
  By Jane Healy on November 12, 2018

Who wouldn't want a paintbrush that painted perfect pictures of whatever you commanded? Masterpieces made easy! That's what Scarlet had until she lost her paintbrush. Other paint brushes didn't contain the magic. Scarlet even tried improvising with cotton balls and sticks. What happens in the end is better than a magic paintbrush--Scarlet finds and embraces her own talent and style. Are the pictures as perfect as the magic paintbrush's? Yes, but in a different way. This book would be a confidence builder for any budding young artist.

• Love Scarlet!​
  By Laura Bower on October 25, 2018

Scarlet's Magic Paintbrush is a special, and important book, about a girl who thinks she needs a magic paintbrush in order to create masterpieces but finds out that everyone has their own magic inside of them. The illustrations are a perfect pairing to the sweet and clever text and I appreciate the humor (Those are pancakes!). I really like how she finds the magic paintbrush, but it doesn't do what she wants it to do, so she uses her creative juices/imagination to create her own, beautiful masterpieces. What a great message for kids - find something you love to do and put your own stamp on it (without worrying if it is perfect!) That is what creates the beauty in this world!

• Sweet, Beautiful Story
  ​By Ellen L on October 29, 2018

Scarlet's Magic Paintbrush is a wonderful story about finding your own gifts even when you doubt yourself. Ms. Stoller gets this message across with humor and is never heavy-handed. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say, this story will make you smile and empower kids with their own magic.
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• 5 Stars for Scarlet!
  By Jenna Grodzicki on December 4, 2018

Scarlet's Magic Paintbrush is a beautifully written story about the power of believing in yourself. When Scarlet's magic paintbrush disappears, she doesn't think she'll ever be able to paint again. She must learn to believe in the magic of her own creativity. The illustrations are gorgeous and perfectly complement the text. This book is a must-have for any classroom or library.​

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