Brush of the Gods

Illustrated by Meilo So
$4.99 US
RH Childrens Books | Anne Schwartz Books
On sale Jun 25, 2013 | 9780375987199
Age 4-8 years
Reading Level: Lexile 580L
Sales rights: World
   Who wants to learn calligraphy when your brush is meant for so much more? Wu Daozi (689-758), known as China's greatest painter and alive during the T'ang Dynasty, is the subject of this stunning picture book. When an old monk attempts to teach young Daozi about the ancient art of calligraphy, his brush doesn't want to cooperate. Instead of characters, Daozi's brush drips dancing peonies and flying Buddhas! Soon others are admiring his unbelievable creations on walls around the city, and one day his art comes to life! Little has been written about Daozi, but Look and So masterfully introduce the artist to children.
  • WINNER
    Booklist Books for Youth Editors' Choice
  • WINNER
    Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
  • SUBMITTED | 2014
    Virginia Capitol Choices Award List
  • SELECTION | 2014
    Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Children's Book of the Year
  • SELECTION | 2014
    IRA Notable Books for a Global Society
Starred Review, Booklist, May 15, 2013:
"The richly colored artwork is stunning in both its scope and particulars...and the words are equally well chosen. This combination of talents happily never forgets its audience in an offering as child appealing and whimsical as it is handsome."

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2013:
“A cheerful introduction not only to Wu Daozi, but to the power of inspiration.”

Starred Review, School Library Journal, May 1, 2013:
“Inviting and appealing, this title serves as a great addition to a unit on ancient China or Chinese Art.”

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, April 15, 2013:
"A fine biographical tribute to the enchanting power of art."

About

   Who wants to learn calligraphy when your brush is meant for so much more? Wu Daozi (689-758), known as China's greatest painter and alive during the T'ang Dynasty, is the subject of this stunning picture book. When an old monk attempts to teach young Daozi about the ancient art of calligraphy, his brush doesn't want to cooperate. Instead of characters, Daozi's brush drips dancing peonies and flying Buddhas! Soon others are admiring his unbelievable creations on walls around the city, and one day his art comes to life! Little has been written about Daozi, but Look and So masterfully introduce the artist to children.

Awards

  • WINNER
    Booklist Books for Youth Editors' Choice
  • WINNER
    Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
  • SUBMITTED | 2014
    Virginia Capitol Choices Award List
  • SELECTION | 2014
    Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Children's Book of the Year
  • SELECTION | 2014
    IRA Notable Books for a Global Society

Praise

Starred Review, Booklist, May 15, 2013:
"The richly colored artwork is stunning in both its scope and particulars...and the words are equally well chosen. This combination of talents happily never forgets its audience in an offering as child appealing and whimsical as it is handsome."

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2013:
“A cheerful introduction not only to Wu Daozi, but to the power of inspiration.”

Starred Review, School Library Journal, May 1, 2013:
“Inviting and appealing, this title serves as a great addition to a unit on ancient China or Chinese Art.”

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, April 15, 2013:
"A fine biographical tribute to the enchanting power of art."