Overview and Outcomes:

In this ten-session Writing Root, which we suggest will take 3 weeks to cover, the children discover a magic paintbrush and are asked what they would paint with it. Then, through the story of The Magic Paintbrush, they meet Shen who loves to paint and draw. Shen is presented with a magic brush but she is to only use it for good.

In the story, she overcomes a greedy Emperor who sets his dragon upon Shen. The children create their own dragon-like monsters through playing Mix and Match Monsters and record ideas by drawing and labelling a diagram. They then write an own-version narrative by changing the items that their main character paints and including their own monster that the main character overcome.

Synopsis of Text:

With her magic paintbrush, Shen can paint steaming pots full of fish and oysters to feed the hungry people in her village, but when the evil emperor hears of her gift he commands Shen to paint gold for him instead. She is determined to keep her promise to paint only for the poor, but how can she match the emperor's mighty power?

In The Magic Paintbrush, Julia Donaldson's brilliant verse combines with beautiful illustrations from Joel Stewart, creator of The Adventures Abney and Teal, to bring vibrant life to a traditional tale of how a little girl's integrity can withstand the corruption of power and greed.

Text Rationale:

Julia Donaldson CBE was the Children’s Laureate from 2011 – 2013. Her distinctive, lyrical style has become iconic and instantly recognisable for many. The Magic Paintbrush is a traditional Chinese folktale, dealing with themes of justice and integrity. This text will help to expand children’s knowledge of traditional tales from around the world. It can also be a springboard to explore Chinese culture and celebrations for children, particularly Chinese New Year and the Chinese Zodiac.

Links and Themes:

Chinese New Year, China, Chinese culture, geography, history, fairness

Date written: April 2017