BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--A TIMELY TALE FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES (AND ADULTS!)

Need a holiday gift idea for a child? Back in 2009, Lois Winston, the author who makes my life miserable,  came up with the idea for a chapter book for young readers. Shortly after she finished writing it, she sold the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, and as all of you know, with a few exceptions, her life has pretty much centered around dropping dead bodies at my feet ever since. The Magic Paintbrush was finally published in 2014. With all the divisiveness going on in the country, it remains a must-read and a perfect gift for young readers.

Without being preachy, The Magic Paintbrush addresses the issue of differences, in this case, a kingdom that is all pink at war with a kingdom that is all blue for longer than anyone can remember—so long that no one even knows what started the feud. It takes two children from another land to point out to the rulers of both kingdoms how we're really all the same inside and the benefits of getting along. 

 

Now if only people in the real world would do likewise…

 

The Magic Paintbrush

When nine-year-old Jack and his seven-year-old sister Zoe are snowed in for days with nothing to do, their complaints land them in every guy’s worst nightmare—the kingdom of Vermilion, a land where everything is totally pink! At first Jack is mistaken for a spy from the neighboring kingdom of Cobalt, but Zoe convinces Queen Fuchsia that they’re from New Jersey and arrived by magic.

 

Queen Fuchsia needs a king, but all the available princes in Vermilion are either too short, too fat, too old, or too stupid. Jack and Zoe suggest she looks for a king in Cobalt, but Vermilion and Cobalt have been at war since long before anyone can remember. Jack and Zoe decide Vermilion and Cobalt need a Kitchen Table Mediation to settle their differences. So they set out on an adventure to bring peace to the warring kingdoms—and maybe along the way they just might find a king for the queen.

 

The Magic Paintbrush is suitable for children eight years of age and up to read on their own. Younger children will enjoy the story if it’s read to them. Read an excerpt here. 

 

Buy Links

Paperback 

Kindle 

Kobo 

Nook 

Apple Books 

CLASSIC BOOK INSPIRED GIFTS FOR READERS AND WRITERS

The holidays are fast approaching, and if you need a gift for a reader, writer, librarian, or teacher, we’ve got you covered—and with the added bonus of a discount! Today we’re thrilled to introduce our readers to Melissa Chan. Melissa is a reader, designer, and founder of Literary Book Gifts. As her holiday gift to our readers, she’s offering a 20% discount on all items from her website. Just use KillerCrafts&CraftyKillers20 at checkout for 20% off any order, no minimum. This coupon code does not expire.

Melissa started Literary Book Gifts earlier this year as an online store for book lovers. She features a wide selection of gifts for teachers, librarians, writers, and readers of all ages. (The items featured here are just a small selection of what you’ll find on the website.)

Melissa says, “I love to read. But I also love talking about some of the great ideas, characters, and stories I've read. These days everyone is reading something different, whether it's the latest bestseller or the 5th book in a series. It's not often two people are reading the same book at the same time. It can even be hard to find others who have read some of your favorite novels, especially if they aren’t well known. Showcasing one of your favorite books or authors, or even your general love of reading on a shirt or tote bag is a great way to generate some fabulous literary conversations.”

The website showcases book t-shirts and tote bags in a variety of sizes and colors. Even the tote bags come in multiple sizes! The shirts are made of 100% cotton and there are even a few colors that have some polyester content for those who prefer heathered fabrics. There are men's and women's versions of each design. The tote bags are sturdy with black lining and cotton handles. Each tote bag has a different color printed as background all the way into the seams.

So start your holiday shopping now, and don’t forget to add the promo code KillerCrafts&CraftyKillers20 when you check out.