Perfect Picture Book Friday: Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush PLUS PB Manuscript Critique Giveaway and Book Giveaway

Posted on October 12, 2018 by viviankirkfield

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.

88 thoughts on “Perfect Picture Book Friday: Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush PLUS PB Manuscript Critique Giveaway and Book Giveaway”

Maria Marshall on October 12, 2018 at 2:47 am said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:28 am said:
  
  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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Jay on October 12, 2018 at 5:11 am said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:31 am said:
  
  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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Dee Knabb on October 12, 2018 at 6:02 am said:

This book sounds charming. I can’t wait to read it. Congrats to Melissa and Sandie.

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:31 am said:
  
  Thank you so much, Dee! I hope you love it!!
  
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Mary Warth on October 12, 2018 at 6:04 am said:

Thanks for introducing us to this book, Vivian. It looks fun!

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:32 am said:
  
  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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mona861 on October 12, 2018 at 6:41 am said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:33 am said:
  
  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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Dianne Glupker on October 12, 2018 at 7:40 am said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:34 am said:
  
  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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Katie Engen on October 12, 2018 at 8:14 am said:

Such a clever twist on the oft-seen theme of self-determination.

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:35 am said:
  
  Thanks so much, Katie! Yes, I love writing about finding a sense of self (with a little magic sprinkled in!).
  
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eleanorannpeterson on October 12, 2018 at 8:26 am said:

I pre-ordered the book. Can’t wait to get it in the mail. Congrats Melissa and Sandie.

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:36 am said:
  
  Thank you so much Eleanor! I hope you love it. Appreciate your support!
  
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Tracy Hora on October 12, 2018 at 8:34 am said:

Great interview. I can’t wait to read this one!! It looks magical!

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:37 am said:
  
  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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jheitman22 on October 12, 2018 at 8:56 am said:

Can’t wait to see this! It looks perfect for my unicorn-loving, art-favoring, crafty kindergarten granddaughter!

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:38 am said:
  
  Oooh I think your granddaughter will really enjoy this story!! Please let me know what she thinks!
  
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sjohnston2010 on October 12, 2018 at 9:40 am said:

Congrats on the new book, Melissa! Looking forward to reading it.

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:39 am said:
  
  I appreciate that! I hope you love it!!
  
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Becky Scharnhorst on October 12, 2018 at 10:08 am said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:40 am said:
  
  Thank you, Becky! Sounds like your artistic daughter will enjoy this story. Let me know what she thinks!
  
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Raven Howell on October 12, 2018 at 10:53 am said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:41 am said:
  
  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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Grade ONEderful on October 12, 2018 at 11:03 am said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:43 am said:
  
  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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ptnozell on October 12, 2018 at 11:40 am said:

Love the idea of a magic paintbrush & the celebration of creativity.

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:44 am said:
  
  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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C.L. Murphy on October 12, 2018 at 11:42 am said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:46 am said:
  
  Thank you! I was inspired by a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art! Good luck with the prizes!
  
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Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer on October 12, 2018 at 12:15 pm said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:47 am said:
  
  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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Marcia Berneger on October 12, 2018 at 12:52 pm said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 7:49 am said:
  
  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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Danielle Hammelef on October 12, 2018 at 1:02 pm said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:46 am said:
  
  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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Tracey Brown on October 12, 2018 at 2:11 pm said:

Congratulations, Melissa! Can’t wait to hold this book

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:58 am said:
  
  Thank you so much, Tracey! I appreciate your friendship and support!!!
  
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gayleckrause on October 12, 2018 at 3:00 pm said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:59 am said:
  
  Thanks so much, Gail! Excited for your upcoming release! Hope you enjoy Scarlet!
  
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Kari Gonzalez on October 12, 2018 at 5:17 pm said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 9:00 am said:
  
  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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Jilanne Hoffmann on October 12, 2018 at 6:45 pm said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:17 am said:
  
  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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Carolyn Farina on October 12, 2018 at 6:57 pm said:

Congratulations Melissa! Scarlet is adorable❤

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:14 am said:
  
  Thank you so much, Carolyn! Wait till you see the illustrations. They are all adorable! Thanks for commenting!
  
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curryelizabeth on October 12, 2018 at 7:17 pm said:

This looks adorable! Congratulations Melissa! I look forward to reading it. 🙂

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:11 am said:
  
  Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I hope you really enjoy the story!
  
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Diane Tulloch on October 12, 2018 at 8:25 pm said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:10 am said:
  
  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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Sara on October 12, 2018 at 9:45 pm said:

Looks wonderful-congratulations!

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:09 am said:
  
  Hi Sara – thanks so much for stopping by! I’m so happy that Scarlet is almost out in the world!
  
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Karen Lawler on October 12, 2018 at 10:19 pm said:

My granddaughter would LOVE this . And so would I………….. 🙂

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:08 am said:
  
  Hi Karen – I hope you and your granddaughter both love this book! Thanks for stopping by!
  
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Kelly Van Kirk on October 12, 2018 at 10:39 pm said:

If I can’t have a magic paintbrush, at least I can have a book about one! 😉

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:07 am said:
  
  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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Mary Vander Plas on October 12, 2018 at 11:17 pm said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:06 am said:
  
  Thanks, Mary! I hope you enjoy this story about finding your own magical creativity! Let me know what you think!
  
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Jennifer G Prevost on October 12, 2018 at 11:59 pm said:

Two of my favorites in the same post!!! Thanks Vivian & Melissa, this PPBF post was a perfect nightcap. 🙂

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 8:04 am said:
  
  Thanks so much, Jennifer! You know I love your blog!
  
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Andrea Mack on October 13, 2018 at 8:24 am said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 9:03 am said:
  
  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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sarahheturadny on October 13, 2018 at 8:55 am said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 9:02 am said:
  
  I love this, Sarah! Creativity and being in the zone definitely feels magical! Hope you enjoy the book!
  
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Mary York on October 13, 2018 at 10:23 am said:

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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David McMullin on October 13, 2018 at 2:59 pm said:

I’m always happy to see another art book. This looks wonderful.

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 5:28 pm said:
  
  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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Joana Pastro on October 13, 2018 at 4:21 pm said:

Congratulations, Melissa! I love the cover. I can’t wait to read it! 💙

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 5:27 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Joana! I love the cover too! Sandie Sonke is so talented…wait until you see the interior illustrations!
  
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Jim Chaize on October 13, 2018 at 4:47 pm said:

Looks like a fun book, and doesn’t everybody love a little magic.

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- Melissa Stoller on October 13, 2018 at 5:26 pm said:
  
  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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Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez on October 13, 2018 at 9:04 pm said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 15, 2018 at 9:48 pm said:
  
  This makes me so happy to hear, Kaitlyn! Thank you! Hope you love the story! Let me know!
  
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  - Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez on October 15, 2018 at 9:52 pm said:
    
    I will! 😊
    
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Sharon Coffey on October 14, 2018 at 11:58 am said:

Melissa, hooray and hugs on SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH. I hope your sales are as magical as your book.

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- Melissa Stoller on October 15, 2018 at 9:48 pm said:
  
  Awww thanks, Sharon! You know I always appreciate your support! And I hope so too!
  
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Angie on October 14, 2018 at 12:50 pm said:

This book looks like such a wonderful story! Congratulations! Can’t wait to read and enjoy it!

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- Melissa Stoller on October 15, 2018 at 9:49 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Angie! I am so excited for this debut!
  
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doreenrobinson on October 14, 2018 at 7:38 pm said:

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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- Melissa Stoller on October 15, 2018 at 9:50 pm said:
  
  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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Patricia Tilton on October 14, 2018 at 11:05 pm said:

I would love a magic paintbrush. Clever story idea with beautiful illustrations!

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- Melissa Stoller on October 15, 2018 at 9:47 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Patricia! I appreciate your kind words, and I love all the illustrations by the wonderful Sandie Sonke!
  
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Sue Heavenrich on October 15, 2018 at 9:18 pm said:

There are times when I wish I could have a magic paintbrush. In a pinch, a magic pencil would do!

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- Melissa Stoller on October 15, 2018 at 9:46 pm said:
  
  Thanks for commenting, Sue! I know, I would also love a magic pen or pencil!
  
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Wehaf on October 17, 2018 at 11:55 pm said:

This sounds intriguing; a bit like some of the chapters in “What the Witch Left”.

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Virginia Rinkel on October 25, 2018 at 12:17 pm said:

I need to read this book, but I have a real magic paintbrush today as I paint little chestnut and hazelnut tree trunks white to protect them from the winter sun and give each a mouse guard too.

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