Shen's magic paintbrush can paint food for the hungry and clothes for the needy, but all the greedy emperor wants is greater riches for himself. But Shen has made a promise to paint only for the poor and it is a promise that she'll never break. Presented in the style of a traditional Chinese tale. Suggested level: junior, primary.

A poor boy who longs to paint is given a magic brush that brings to life whatever he pictures.

A Chinese folk tale about a boy who uses a magic paintbrush to help others.

Scarlet paints perfect pictures with her magic paintbrush until the day the brush is lost, and she fears she'll never be able to paint again. When the brush is found, will Scarlet's own magical creativity emerge?

Steve can hardly believe it. With his new paintbrush, whatever he paints becomes real. Now he, Grandfather, and Uncle Fong can wish for anything they want. Uncle Fong uses the paintbrush to return to China, to the village of his childhood, and Grandfather wants to visit the Lady on the Moon. Steve wonders if the paintbrush can bring his parents back. But they all soon realize the paintbrush might have its own agenda. .

This magical folktale tells of a boy who awakes from a dream with a paintbrush that brings his drawings to life. He paints tools, cows, and food for his village, and teaches a greedy emperor a lesson.

The Oxford Reading Tree Traditional Tales series includes 40 of the best known stories from all over the world, which have been passed down for generations. They are a perfect introduction to different cultures, traditions and morals. All the stories are carefully levelled to Oxford Reading Tree stages and matched to the phonics progression in Letters and Sounds, enabling your children to read the stories independently. There are four Traditional Tales titles available for each Oxford Reading Tree Stages, from Stage 1 through to Stage 9. Accompanying free Group/Guided Reading notes are available online at www.oxfordprimary.co.uk/tales , along with an eBook and storyteller video for each stage. Parents can also visit www.oxfordowl.co.uk for practical advice, helpful information about phonics, lots of fun activities and free eBooks. The Singles Pack includes a Mixed Pack for each of the above stages, 1 book of each title, plus a Teacher's Handbook.