Perfect Picture Book Friday: Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush PLUS PB Manuscript Critique Giveaway and Book Giveaway
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Picture books are magical…especially when they are about a magical item. And Perfect Picture Book Friday posts are magical when they have DOUBLE GIVEAWAYS. Yes, author Melissa Stoller is donating both a pb manuscript critique AND a copy of her brand-new picture book! Woo-hoo!
SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH
Written by Melissa Stoller
Ilustrated by Sandie Sonke
Published by Clear Fork/Spork (October 2018)
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Creativity, be yourself, self-esteem
Opening lines:
“Years ago, Scarlet found a magic paintbrush and everything changed.”
Synopsis: From Amazon:
What would it be like to have a magic paintbrush?
Scarlet knows.
She paints perfect pictures . . . until her brush disappears.
Will she ever be
able to create another
masterpiece without it?
Why I like this book:
- The element of magic appeals to kids…who wouldn’t want a brush that magically draws perfect pictures?
- I loved seeing Scarlet come to the realization that her own creativity is important.
- The illustrations are full of color…perfect for a book about a girl who loves to paint.
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Painting With Kids
Photo courtesy: https://artfulparent.com/painting-activities-kids-60-ideas/
For detailed instructions for 50 painting projects: https://artfulparent.com/painting-activities-kids-60-ideas/
Ask your kids, what would they draw if they had a magic paintbrush? If they could imbue any item with magical powers, what would it be and what would it do? And wouldn’t we all like to have an item that had magical powers? What item would you want to be magical?
Please don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in this double-your-pleasure giveaway. And, when you read Melissa’s book, don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or other review sites. Reviews are like a birthday gift to your favorite author!
And speaking of picture books, for more wonderful recommendations and activities for kids, please hop over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday link up.
Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends. Safe travels if you are away from home.
Posted on October 12, 2018, in Craft Activity for Kids, GIVEAWAYS, Perfect Pictture Book Friday, Uncategorized and tagged Art, Clear Fork Publishing, Creativity, Melissa Stoller, Music, Sandie Sonke, SCARLET'S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH, Spork Publishing, technology. Bookmark the permalink. 87 Comments.
Great review Vivian. Who wouldn’t want a magic paintbrush? This sounds like a really interesting and thought provoking book. Look forward to reading it.
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Hi Maria – I just love anything magical. And I love how illustrator Sandie Sonke depicted the magic brush! Thanks for commenting!
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I think you’ve painted a great picture of Melissa’s book Vivian! I like how the magic element intertwines with Scarlet’s dilemma, a good PB twist. I look forward to reading it.
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Thanks so much, Jay! Yes, I was really interested in perfection, searching for creativity . . . And of course magic! Thanks for commenting!
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This book sounds charming. I can’t wait to read it. Congrats to Melissa and Sandie.
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Thank you so much, Dee! I hope you love it!!
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Thanks for introducing us to this book, Vivian. It looks fun!
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Thank you so much, Mary! I had a lot of fun writing the story and working with illustrator Sandie Sonke and the whole team!
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This looks like such fun…I need that magic paintbrush!!! Thanks for sharing, Vivian. And thanks for the prize offerings, Melissa. I could use those too!!!
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Thanks, Mona! I know – I always feel like I could use a magic brush or a magic pen! Thanks for commenting!
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I absolutely will buy this for my grandson. Can’t wait to read it to him. He lives to paint. Thank you so much!
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Thanks so much, Diane! I’m so glad your grandson loves to paint and will enjoy this book. Let me know!
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Such a clever twist on the oft-seen theme of self-determination.
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Thanks so much, Katie! Yes, I love writing about finding a sense of self (with a little magic sprinkled in!).
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I pre-ordered the book. Can’t wait to get it in the mail. Congrats Melissa and Sandie.
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Thank you so much Eleanor! I hope you love it. Appreciate your support!
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Great interview. I can’t wait to read this one!! It looks magical!
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Thanks, Tracy! Let me know what you think! Wait till you see all of Sandie’s illustrations. They are truly magical!
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Can’t wait to see this! It looks perfect for my unicorn-loving, art-favoring, crafty kindergarten granddaughter!
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Oooh I think your granddaughter will really enjoy this story!! Please let me know what she thinks!
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Congrats on the new book, Melissa! Looking forward to reading it.
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I appreciate that! I hope you love it!!
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Oh, my daughter would LOVE this book! She is a true artist, always making and molding, creating and coloring. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for highlighting it, Vivian!
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Thank you, Becky! Sounds like your artistic daughter will enjoy this story. Let me know what she thinks!
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I would love a magic paintbrush, and I have a feeling this will be super apealing to children! Great blog, Vivian!
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Hi Raven – thanks for all your support! I know, I always think I would like a magic pen or pencil too! Hope you love the book!
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As someone who is learning how to paint with water colours, I would LOVE a magic paintbrush!
Thanks for the link to 50+ painting activities. It’s a good one!
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Good luck with your water color paintings! I love water colors although I find them challenging! Thanks for stopping by! And yes enjoy all the activities Vivian highlighted!
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Love the idea of a magic paintbrush & the celebration of creativity.
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Hi Patricia – thank you so much. I love thinking about finding one’s own creativity (with a bit of magic added to the mix!). Glad you stopped by!
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Congrats, Melissa! What a great premise! Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win this very generous prize.
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Thank you! I was inspired by a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art! Good luck with the prizes!
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I admit I’m jealous of Scarlet. It must be wonderful to have a magic paintbrush. I’m anxious to learn what amazing images Scarlet created with this treasured tool. I searched for the book on my library’s website, but they don’t own this charming book…yet. I’ll be filling out a request form for them ASAP. 🙂
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I really appreciate that, Leslie. I am hoping Scarlet finds her way into as many libraries as possible so she can visit as many kids as possible! Thank you for your support! I hope you love the book!
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So happy to see Melissa’s book out! What an excellent way to encourage kids to trust their own creativity! Way to go, Melissa!!
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Thank you so much, dear Marcia! I am so excited about this debut picture book! I hope you love it! I appreciate the support!!
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The message behind this book is inspiring and I’m excited to read it for myself to find out how the book reveals the character growth arc that I struggle with in my own picture book writing.
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Thanks so much, Danielle! I look forward to hearing what you think. Character growth arc is definitely a challenge! Thanks for stopping by!
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Congratulations, Melissa! Can’t wait to hold this book
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Thank you so much, Tracey! I appreciate your friendship and support!!!
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Thank you, Vivian for giving us this opportunity to own a copy of Melissa’s wonderful, magical picture book, Scarlet’s Paintbrush and sharing her good news with the world. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Gail! Excited for your upcoming release! Hope you enjoy Scarlet!
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I can’t wait to read Scarlett’s Magic Paintbrush, your review of the book is magical Vivian, thank you for sharing!
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Thanks so much, Kari! I’m thrilled with the collaboration that led to this book and I can’t believe the release is on Tuesday! Thanks for stopping by!
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You know, it might sound strange, but I’d pair this book with Barb Rosenstock’s “The Streak: How Joe Dimaggio Became America’s Hero.” In that book, Joe thinks he can only hit with his special bat, Betsy, before he manages to continue his streak with a different bat. They both show that it’s the person rather than the thing they use. Just a thought. Thanks for featuring this book, Vivian!
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Hi Jilanne – I love Barb Rosenstock’s books but I haven’t read this one. But I will now! Thanks for taking the time to recommend it. Yes, finding one’s own creativity (and letting go of perfection) are so important to me. I hope you enjoy Scarlet!
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Congratulations Melissa! Scarlet is adorable❤
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Thank you so much, Carolyn! Wait till you see the illustrations. They are all adorable! Thanks for commenting!
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This looks adorable! Congratulations Melissa! I look forward to reading it. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I hope you really enjoy the story!
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I love the idea of a magic paintbrush. Oh how I would love one even now… lol. This is a cute story and the illustrations look so lovely. A great choice.
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Hi Diane – I was inspired to write this story while at the Metropolitan Museum of Art wishing that I had a magic paintbrush! And I agree the illustrations are really magical! Thanks for commenting!
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Looks wonderful-congratulations!
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Hi Sara – thanks so much for stopping by! I’m so happy that Scarlet is almost out in the world!
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My granddaughter would LOVE this . And so would I………….. 🙂
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Hi Karen – I hope you and your granddaughter both love this book! Thanks for stopping by!
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If I can’t have a magic paintbrush, at least I can have a book about one! 😉
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Awww thanks, Kelly! I really enjoyed working on this project and imaging all kinds of “what if” questions about a magic paintbrush. I hope you love it!
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This looks like the perfect book for someone who can’t draw very well on her own! Looking forward to reading it. Congratulations 🎈
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Thanks, Mary! I hope you enjoy this story about finding your own magical creativity! Let me know what you think!
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Two of my favorites in the same post!!! Thanks Vivian & Melissa, this PPBF post was a perfect nightcap. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Jennifer! You know I love your blog!
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I’d love a magic paintbrush!! Books that encourage creativity are so important!! Thanks for sharing this one — I’m intrigued and need to go find it!! I bet my kindergarten students will like this one (especially since there’s a unicorn on the cover).
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I hope your kindergarten students love the book and themes of letting go of perfection and finding your own creativity! Let me know. And yes, unicorns! Thanks, Andrea!
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Can’t wait to read this with my kids. Sometimes I feel like I have magic in my paintbrushes when I really get into my craft!
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I love this, Sarah! Creativity and being in the zone definitely feels magical! Hope you enjoy the book!
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A book sure to engage the active minds of children! Can’t wait to read this and share it with little Reading Partners!
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I’m always happy to see another art book. This looks wonderful.
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Hi David – thank you! I know, I always gravitate toward reading art books! I hope you love it! Thanks for commenting!
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Congratulations, Melissa! I love the cover. I can’t wait to read it! 💙
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Thank you, Joana! I love the cover too! Sandie Sonke is so talented…wait until you see the interior illustrations!
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Looks like a fun book, and doesn’t everybody love a little magic.
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Hi Jim – thanks so much, and I totally agree about everyone loving a little magic . . . anyway I sure how they do! Thanks for commenting!
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Fell in love with this idea immediately when Amazon recommended it. It’s one of those books you’re like, why has no one else thought of it, it’s amazing! Can twait for my copy😊
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This makes me so happy to hear, Kaitlyn! Thank you! Hope you love the story! Let me know!
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I will! 😊
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Melissa, hooray and hugs on SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH. I hope your sales are as magical as your book.
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Awww thanks, Sharon! You know I always appreciate your support! And I hope so too!
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This book looks like such a wonderful story! Congratulations! Can’t wait to read and enjoy it!
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Thank you, Angie! I am so excited for this debut!
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Congrats, Melissa! What a wonderful story concept – I think children (and adults) will just love it! I just love what I’ve seen (so far) of Sandie’s illustrations! And thank you for sharing this, Vivian.
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Thank you Doreen! I hope kids of all ages will enjoy the story! It is so dear to my heart! And Sandie’s illustrations are magical!
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I would love a magic paintbrush. Clever story idea with beautiful illustrations!
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Thanks, Patricia! I appreciate your kind words, and I love all the illustrations by the wonderful Sandie Sonke!
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There are times when I wish I could have a magic paintbrush. In a pinch, a magic pencil would do!
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Thanks for commenting, Sue! I know, I would also love a magic pen or pencil!
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This sounds intriguing; a bit like some of the chapters in “What the Witch Left”.
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