Books like 'The Magic Paintbrush'
Readers who enjoyed The Magic Paintbrush by Julia Donaldson & Joel Stewart also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary fantasy action / adventure asia east-asia china magic children poc-mc ancient-china
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The Enchantress Returns by Chris Colfer
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 59 ratingsAfter decades of hiding, the evil Enchantress who cursed Sleeping Beauty is back with a vengeance.Alex and Conner Bailey have not been back to the magical Land of Stories since their adventures in The Wishing Spell ended... -
![Worlds Collide by Chris Colfer]()
Worlds Collide by Chris Colfer
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsThe epic conclusion to Chris Colfer's #1 New York Times bestselling series The Land of Stories!In the highly anticipated conclusion to the Land of Stories series, Conner and Alex must brave the impossible... -
![Death Weavers by Brandon Mull]()
Death Weavers by Brandon Mull
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsTrapped in a world where magic is powerful and dreams are real, Cole’s epic adventure continues in book four of the New York Times bestselling “fanciful, action-packed adventure” series (Publishers Weekly, starred review), from the author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series.Cole is about to face his biggest peril yet... -
![Merhorses and Bubbles by Asia Citro]()
Merhorses and Bubbles by Asia Citro
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWith magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure -- the brand new series Zoey and Sassafras has something for everyone! Easy-to-read language and illustrations on nearly every page make this series perfect for a wide range of ages.In the third book of this series, Zoey and Sassafras head to the stream only to make a terrible discovery... -
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![The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch by Tom Fletcher]()
The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch by Tom Fletcher
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe eagerly-anticipated sequel to Tom Fletcher's bestselling magical adventure, The Christmasaurus.'She is the best-kept Christmas secret of all,' whispered Santa Claus. 'Which is surprising, because she is so powerful that Christmas itself would not exist without her. She is older than time itself, yet still as young as tomorrow. She is known only as the Winter Witch... -
![Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi]()
Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsWar between the devas and the demons is imminent, and the Otherworld is on high alert. When intelligence from the human world reveals that the Sleeper is holding a powerful clairvoyant and her sister captive, 14-year-old Aru and her friends launch a search-and-rescue mission... -
![The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell]()
The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDesperate to become a shark caller to avenge the death of her parents, Blue Wing is instead charged with befriending infuriating newcomer Maple. At first they are angry and out of sync with the island and each other... -
![Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro]()
Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsIn the first book of this series, Zoey discovers a glowing photo and learns an amazing secret. Injured magical animals come to their backyard barn for help! When a sick baby dragon appears, it’s up to Zoey and Sassafras to figure out what’s wrong... -
![Trapped Wishes: A Genie and Her Goon by B. Love]()
Trapped Wishes: A Genie and Her Goon by B. Love
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGenevieve “Genie” Yates has been trapped inside of her lamp for two-hundred years because a previous master, Quenton, was in love with her and she didn’t feel the same way. Anger, hurt, shame, and embarrassment caused Quenton to trap Genie and toss her out into the sea. Genie has been cursed to have every man that she encounters to fall in love with her, but she is never able to return that love... -
![Tristan Strong Destroys the World by Kwame Mbalia]()
Tristan Strong Destroys the World by Kwame Mbalia
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBestselling author Rick Riordan presents the second book in the New York Times best-selling Tristan Strong trilogy by Kwame Mbalia. Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge... -
![The Shadow Crosser by J.C. Cervantes, Jennifer Cervantes]()
The Shadow Crosser by J.C. Cervantes, Jennifer Cervantes
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsBest-selling author Rick Riordan presents J.C. Cervantes' epic finale to the Storm Runner trilogy, a tale of mystery, magic, and mayhem featuring gods from both Maya and Aztec mythology.Zane Obispo has been looking forward to his training at the Shaman Institute for Higher Order Magic, and not only because it means he'll be reunited with his best friend, Brooks... -
![Bad Hair Day - Whatever After # 5 by Sarah Mlynowski]()
Bad Hair Day - Whatever After # 5 by Sarah Mlynowski
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAfter a tough day at school, I am NOT in a good mood. The perfect pick-me-up? A trip through our magic mirror! When my brother and I -- plus our new dog -- end up in the story of Rapunzel, we can't resist climbing her hair. Oh no! Her smooth locks suddenly look like they've been attacked by a cheese grater. Maybe a trim will help...Snip, snip. SNIP. Oops... -
![Pendragon, Before the War by Walter Sorrells, D.J. MacHale]()
Pendragon, Before the War by Walter Sorrells, D.J. MacHale
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsBefore Bobby Pendragon. Before Saint Dane. Before the war . . . Every territory of Halla has a Traveler. They lived for years�some even for decades�before learning of their true destiny...Categorized as:
children myths retellings action-adventure book children-books contemporary dystopia -
![Caterflies and Ice by Asia Citro]()
Caterflies and Ice by Asia Citro
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWith magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure -- the brand new series Zoey and Sassafras has something for everyone! Easy-to-read language and illustrations on nearly every page make this series perfect for a wide range of ages.In the fourth book, an unexpected snow storm causes trouble for the magical creatures of the forest... -
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![Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems]()
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsOnce upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur . . . and a Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway.One day--for no particular reason--they decided to tidy up their house, make the beds, and prepare pudding of varying temperatures. And then--for no particular reason--they decided to go...someplace else... -
![The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim]()
The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBest-selling author Rick Riordan presents Graci Kim's thrilling debut about an adopted Korean-American girl who discovers her heritage and her magic on a perilous journey to save her witch clan family.Riley Oh can't wait to see her sister get initiated into the Gom clan, a powerful lineage of Korean healing witches their family has belonged to for generations... -
![The Fire Keeper by J.C. Cervantes, Jennifer Cervantes]()
The Fire Keeper by J.C. Cervantes, Jennifer Cervantes
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsZane Obispo's new life on a beautiful secluded tropical island, complete with his family and closest friends, should be perfect. But he can't control his newfound fire skills yet (inherited from his father, the Maya god Hurakan); there's a painful rift between him and his dog ever since she became a hell hound; and he doesn't know what to do with his feelings for Brooks... -
![The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg]()
The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA widow finds herself in possession of an extraordinary broom left by a witch who fell into the widow's garden... -
![The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, Laura Catalan]()
The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, Laura Catalan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA heartwarming story about family, friendship and finding your inner fire.Between bullies at school and changes at home, Charlie Challinor finds life a bit scary. And when he's made guardian of a furry fox cub called Cadno, things get a whole lot scarier.Because Cadno isn't just any fox: he's a firefox - the only one of his kind - and a sinister hunter from another world is on his trail... -
![The Morrigan's Curse by Dianne K. Salerni]()
The Morrigan's Curse by Dianne K. Salerni
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn this third and final book in the series that VOYA recommends “for fans of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter,” the war over the Eighth Day continues—and there’s more at stake than ever before.The battle between Kin and Transitioners that’s been brewing for centuries has come to a head... -
![The Lost Tide Warriors by Catherine Doyle]()
The Lost Tide Warriors by Catherine Doyle
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Fans of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson can add Fionn Boyle as a generous and brave hero from the Emerald Isle.” – School Library Connection on The Storm Keeper's Island There is magic deep within Arranmore Island, and Fionn Boyle is beginning to discover how it has woven its way through generations of his family's history... -
![Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig]()
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsSTORIES TO GO!Sylvester the donkey finds a magic pebble and unthinkingly wishes himself turned into a rock when he's frightened by a lion. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving parents is a tender, magical tale of the transforming power of love. This Caldecott Medal-winning book is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere... -
![Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz, Dan Santat]()
Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz, Dan Santat
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCompanion to the hit The Three Ninja Pigs, this fractured fairy tale is a sure-fire storytime hit. Wolf just can’t catch a break! Ever since the three little pigs started teaching everyone Ninja skills, huffing and puffing just hasn’t been enough to scare up a good meal. His craving for meat sends Wolf to classes at the dojo, and soon he’s ready to try out his new moves... -
![The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan]()
The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHow do you handle an encounter with Medusa on the New Jersey interstate? What's the best way to take down a minotaur? Become an expert on everything in Percy's world with this must-have guide to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Complete with interviews, puzzles, games, and original short stories by Rick Riordan... -
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![Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston]()
Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe highly anticipated third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Supernatural Investigations series that began with Amari and the Night Brothers! Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Nevermoor.War has come to the supernatural world, and Amari’s two worst enemies are leading the charge... -
![City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda]()
City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBest-selling author Rick Riordan presents CITY OF THE PLAGUE GOD, an adventure based on ancient Mesopotamian mythology written by Sarwat Chadda, author of the Ash Mistry series. Characters from the Epic of Gilgamesh populate this high-stakes contemporary adventure in which all of Manhattan is threatened by the ancient god of plagues... -
![Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman]()
Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsEveryone loves the little girl who wears a red-hooded cloak, but no one more than her grandmother. One day, Grandmother gets sick, and Little Red Riding Hood sets out to visit her, carrying a basket of food as a present... -
![The Coyote Way by B.B. Griffith]()
The Coyote Way by B.B. Griffith
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Walker chases a rogue spirit, something dark and chaotic that broke through into the land of the living and took on the form of a coyote.Caroline and Owen have been on the move for years, trying to find a place to call home. Caroline remains torn--her heart split in two. Half of her loves Owen, the other half still loves Ben... -
![The Stone Child by David Alexander Robertson]()
The Stone Child by David Alexander Robertson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt's a race against time to save Eli, in this third book in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series. After discovering a near-lifeless Eli at the base of the Great Tree, Morgan knows she doesn't have much time to save him. And it will mean asking for help -- from friends old and new... -
![The Secret of Ashona by Kaza Kingsley, James Ng]()
The Secret of Ashona by Kaza Kingsley, James Ng
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsErec Rex might still become king—but the closer he gets, the more dangerous his tasks become.Given his romance brewing with Bethany, the discovery that his siblings are secretly king and queen of the Fairy world, and the knowledge that the Stain brothers are growing more and more underhanded, Erec Rex isn’t exactly in an ideal state of mind to face his next two tasks... -
![Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin, Kate Messner]()
Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin, Kate Messner
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom Caldecott and Newbery Honoree Grace Lin and bestselling author Kate Messner comes a modern folktale about the joy of reading.Once upon a time, there was a girl. She went to a place alive with colors, where even the morning dew was warm. Alice loves to imagine herself in the magical pages of her favorite book... -
![Zepha The Monster Squid by Adam Blade]()
Zepha The Monster Squid by Adam Blade
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen Tom defeated Epos the Winged Flame, he thought his Beast Quest was over. He was wrong. The Dark Wizard Malvel has returned with new Beasts and a new plan to destroy the kingdom of Avantia. And this time, each beast hides a piece of the legendary Golden Armor - armor that once belonged to Tom's father Taladon... -
![Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young]()
Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAmerican Indian Youth Literature Award Best Middle Grade Book! Brian Young’s powerful debut novel tells of a seemingly ordinary Navajo boy who must save the life of a Water Monster—and comes to realize he’s a hero at heart... -
![The Three Furies by Kaza Kingsley]()
The Three Furies by Kaza Kingsley
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAnother task, even more dangerous than the previous ones, befalls Erec in the fourth book in the series. He must literally face his worst nightmares to succeed, but he isn’t sure if he can overcome his fears. On top of a contest he must win to continue his rise to King, he must also save Bethany, who has been entranced by Baskania, and deal with his inevitable transformation into a dragon... -
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![The Book Smugglers by Anna James]()
The Book Smugglers by Anna James
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFourth in the modern-classic and bestselling bookwandering series for ages eight to twelve that celebrates all that is best in life: books, adventure, friendship – and cake.Milo lives on board the Sesquipedalian, or “Quip” – a magical train that uses the power of imagination to travel through both Story and the real world... -
![Leven Thumps and the Ruins of Alder by Obert Skye]()
Leven Thumps and the Ruins of Alder by Obert Skye
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratings"Do you think he'll be able to do it?" Clover asked, worried. "I'm not sure," Geth replied, amazed by his own doubt. "I'm not sure." In the fifth and final volume of the epic saga of Leven Thumps, all of Foo is rushing madly to exit the realm of dreams while Leven is headed in the opposite direction. Fate snatches him to the island of Alder, where he is poised to pass or fail the final test... -
![Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett]()
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsAuthor(s): Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen ISBN: 9781406352481 Binding: Paperback Published: 2014-01-01 On a cold, dark day in a dull, grey town, little Annabelle discovers a box of brightly coloured yarn. She knits a cosy jumper to keep herself nice and toasty warm and finds, to her surprise, that she still has yarn left over... -
![The Travelers by Carla Jablonski, D.J. MacHale]()
The Travelers by Carla Jablonski, D.J. MacHale
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsBefore Bobby Pendragon. Before Saint Dane. Before the war . . . Every territory of Halla has a Traveler. They lived for yearssome even for decadesbefore learning of their true destiny...Categorized as:
children myths retellings action-adventure book children-books contemporary dystopia -
![The Unicorn Who Lost Its Horn: A Tale of How to Catch and Spread Kindness by Adisan Books]()
The Unicorn Who Lost Its Horn: A Tale of How to Catch and Spread Kindness by Adisan Books
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDiscover the enchanting tale of "The Unicorn Who Lost Its A Tale of How to Catch and Spread Kindness.“ It is the heartwarming story of kindness, sharing, friendship, courage, and the magic of color.Join Sparkle, a beautiful unicorn, on her quest to restore her magnificent horn and bring color back to her world... -
![Jack Frost: The End Becomes the Beginning by William Joyce]()
Jack Frost: The End Becomes the Beginning by William Joyce
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThe Guardians' powers are given the ultimate test as they journey to the moon itself in this fifth and final chapter book adventure of an epic series from William Joyce.The Guardians came together to protect the childhoods of all who dream, and they are a formidable team: Nicholas St. North, E... -
![Ashes of Gold by J. Elle]()
Ashes of Gold by J. Elle
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHalf god and half human, Rue has made a vow to restore the magic that the Chancellor and the Grays have stolen from the Ghizoni and take back their land; she has more fully embraced her identity among the people of Yiyo Peak, but she is also from East Row in Houston, and girls from East Row do not give in to oppressors... -
![The Unready Queen by William Ritter]()
The Unready Queen by William Ritter
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHuman and goblin brothers Cole and Tinn are finding their way back to normal after their journey to the heart of the Oddmire. Normal, unfortunately, wants nothing to do with them. Fable, the daughter of the Queen of the Deep Dark, has her first true friends in the brothers... -
![The Little Mermaid by Deborah Hautzig]()
The Little Mermaid by Deborah Hautzig
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIllus. in full color. Andersen's sweet, sad story is beautifully retold for young readers. When the little mermaid gives up her voice in exchange for legs and a chance to meet her beloved human prince, she earns a real human soul... -
![Josephine Against the Sea by Shakirah Bourne]()
Josephine Against the Sea by Shakirah Bourne
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMeet Josephine, the most loveable mischief-maker in Barbados, in a magical adventure inspired by Caribbean mythology.Eleven-year-old Josephine knows that no one is good enough for her daddy. That's why she makes a habit of scaring his new girlfriends away... -
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![Sugar and Spite by Gail D. Villanueva]()
Sugar and Spite by Gail D. Villanueva
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan a bully be defeated by a magical love potion?Jolina can't take Claudine's bullying any longer! The taunts and teasing are too much. Though Jolina knows she's still in training to use her grandfather's arbularyo magic, she sneaks into his potions lab to get her revenge. Jolina brews a batch of gayuma, a powerful love potion.And it works. The love potion conquers Claudine's hateful nature... -
![The Other Alice by Michelle Harrison]()
The Other Alice by Michelle Harrison
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when a tale with real magic, that was supposed to be finished, never was? This is a story about one of those stories . . . Midge loves riddles, his cat, Twitch, and – most of all – stories. Especially because he's grown up being read to by his sister Alice, a brilliant writer... -
![This Is Not a Werewolf Story by Sandra Evans]()
This Is Not a Werewolf Story by Sandra Evans
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is the story of Raul, a boy of few words, fewer friends, and almost no family. He is a loner—but he isn’t lonely. All week long he looks after the younger boys at One Of Our Kind Boarding School while dodging the barbs of terrible Tuffman, the mean gym teacher.Like every other kid in the world, he longs for Fridays, but not for the usual reasons. The woods have secrets...and so does Raul... -
![The Legend of the Golden Snail by Graeme Base]()
The Legend of the Golden Snail by Graeme Base
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA young boy’s favorite storybook tells of a Golden Snail that lived long ago in the mythical Spiral Isles. When it journeyed through its magical realm, it took on the shape of a fantastical golden sailing ship. One day the ship was captured by a Great Enchanter and put under his spell... -
![Ambush by Obert Skye]()
Ambush by Obert Skye
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThings are strange in the town of Kingsplot. The usually sleepy town is experiencing things it just can't explain. Plants are vandalizing the museum, buildings are being torn apart at night, and the minds of residents are growing foggy and confused.In the Pillage manor above the town, Beck's life is unraveling as well... -
![The Summer King by O.R. Melling]()
The Summer King by O.R. Melling
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratings"The second book in the critically acclaimed Chronicles of Faerie series" In this book, which "School Library Journal" called lyrical and mesmerizing, eighteen-year-old Laurel arrives in Ireland on the anniversary of her sisters mysterious death, to take up her twins failed mission to find the Summer King and save Faerie...
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