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.
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. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Gail! Excited for your upcoming release! Hope you enjoy Scarlet!
LikeLike
I can’t wait to read Scarlett’s Magic Paintbrush, your review of the book is magical Vivian, thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
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!
LikeLike
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!
LikeLike
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Melissa! Scarlet is adorable❤
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Carolyn! Wait till you see the illustrations. They are all adorable! Thanks for commenting!
LikeLike
This looks adorable! Congratulations Melissa! I look forward to reading it. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I hope you really enjoy the story!
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
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!
LikeLike
Looks wonderful-congratulations!
LikeLike
Hi Sara – thanks so much for stopping by! I’m so happy that Scarlet is almost out in the world!
LikeLike
My granddaughter would LOVE this . And so would I………….. 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Karen – I hope you and your granddaughter both love this book! Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
If I can’t have a magic paintbrush, at least I can have a book about one! 😉
LikeLike
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!
LikeLike
This looks like the perfect book for someone who can’t draw very well on her own! Looking forward to reading it. Congratulations 🎈
LikeLike
Thanks, Mary! I hope you enjoy this story about finding your own magical creativity! Let me know what you think!
LikeLike
Two of my favorites in the same post!!! Thanks Vivian & Melissa, this PPBF post was a perfect nightcap. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Jennifer! You know I love your blog!
LikeLike
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).
LikeLike
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!
LikeLike
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!
LikeLike
I love this, Sarah! Creativity and being in the zone definitely feels magical! Hope you enjoy the book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A book sure to engage the active minds of children! Can’t wait to read this and share it with little Reading Partners!
LikeLike
I’m always happy to see another art book. This looks wonderful.
LikeLike
Hi David – thank you! I know, I always gravitate toward reading art books! I hope you love it! Thanks for commenting!
LikeLike
Congratulations, Melissa! I love the cover. I can’t wait to read it! 💙
LikeLike
Thank you, Joana! I love the cover too! Sandie Sonke is so talented…wait until you see the interior illustrations!
LikeLike
Looks like a fun book, and doesn’t everybody love a little magic.
LikeLike
Hi Jim – thanks so much, and I totally agree about everyone loving a little magic . . . anyway I sure how they do! Thanks for commenting!
LikeLike
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😊
LikeLike
This makes me so happy to hear, Kaitlyn! Thank you! Hope you love the story! Let me know!
LikeLike
I will! 😊
LikeLike
Melissa, hooray and hugs on SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH. I hope your sales are as magical as your book.
LikeLike
Awww thanks, Sharon! You know I always appreciate your support! And I hope so too!
LikeLike
This book looks like such a wonderful story! Congratulations! Can’t wait to read and enjoy it!
LikeLike
Thank you, Angie! I am so excited for this debut!
LikeLiked by 1 person