Title: Brush of the Gods
Author: Lenore LookIllustrator: Meilo So
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
Year: 2013
Word Count: 1,336
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Summary
Young Wu Daozi tries to please his calligraphy teacher, but his brush
drips out worms and horse tails. Soon Daozi paints on walls in temples and
teahouses, and even the great wall surrounding the city. His work becomes known
throughout China. One day he paints a butterfly so beautiful and delicate that
it appears to be real. When the wind blows, the wing moves, just a little, and
the butterfly suddenly flits of. No one believes that his paintings come to
life, except the children. Then one day, the emperor asks Daozi to create a
masterpiece on a wall of the palace.
Story Element: Beginnings and
Endings
Brush of the Gods is a story about a boy who
follows his dreams. On the first page, readers are introduced to a daydreamer
who cannot follow his strict teacher’s instructions. Wu Daozi has a passion
for painting that in the end is recognized by the emperor. “But a masterpiece takes
many years to create. By the time the mural was finished, the great artist had
grown old.”
According to legend, the master painter walked into his mural. Thus there's no agreed upon date of Wu Daozi passing, since he never died. That's a magical ending!
According to legend, the master painter walked into his mural. Thus there's no agreed upon date of Wu Daozi passing, since he never died. That's a magical ending!
By using watercolor, ink, gouache and colored pencils, illustrator Meilo So brings sweeping curves and bright colors to the story.
I've never heard of this legend before but it sounds great. I love art as much as I love books and cultural stories as well so I can't wait to find this book and read it.
ReplyDeleteIllustrator Meilo So breathes life into this story.
DeleteHow gorgeous a book, how wonderful a story. I had never heard of this either, Manju, and glad you've brought it to my attention (and consequently the attention of my library book order person.) Great example of beginnings and endings.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to suggest books. Brush of the Gods is a treasure.
DeleteGreat minds think alike! I just got this from the library this week and was planning to review it. Still might.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you could highlight a different story element.
DeleteSounds like a lovely story!
ReplyDeleteAnd, for tomorrow.... Happy Chinese New Year!
What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great legend!
ReplyDelete