The Magic Paintbrush
By Kyle Adkins and Rachel Benjamin
Xiao Yue is a talented young artist who lives in a small fishing village in China. She is very poor and wishes every day for a paintbrush to replace the dull charcoal she uses to make portraits.
One day Xiao Yue is presented with an incredible gift, a paintbrush. She quickly learns this is no ordinary paintbrush; this is a magic paintbrush that has the power to make Xiao Yue’s paintings come to life. With this new power Xiao Yue begins helping the people of her town.
Soon the evil Emperor who rules over her village hears of this magical paintbrush and tries to claim it for himself. He captures Xiao Yue and locks her away, stealing her magic brush. When the brush won’t work for the Emperor, he forces Xiao Yue to come and paint for him offering her the chance to become rich and powerful herself. Will Xiao Yue help the wicked Emperor? Will she ever escape? Will she become evil herself?
This Chinese Folktale teaches and reminds us the importance of putting others’ needs before your own.