I was pathetically pleased over the weekend to come across an absolute favourite story book of mine from when I was a child.
I was visiting my parents for Easter and have occasionally had a look for this particular set of story books but never found them. Anyway, my sister somehow knew where they were so (under the eves, accessed through a tiny door down the side of my brother’s bed) and dug them out for me.
There was two in particular that I loved – The Magic Paintbrush, and The Magic Stone, for reasons I hope become apparent. I loved the illustrations as well – done by Martin Aitchison. Mr Aitchison has his own website where he also sells original illustrations. I note there is a Magic Painbrush one there for £300.
I am also pleased to note that you can buy them secondhand and online – cost between £1.50 and £3.
The books are copyright Ladybird and were adapted by Fran Hunia from traditional children’s tales from across the world. Since it was about 20 years ago that I read them, I am going to do a terrible thing and scan the pages and put them here for everyone to enjoy.
If Ladybird is unhappy with this, please email me and I’ll happily pay a reasonable fee each time this page is accessed. Anyway, here is the first half of the The Magic Paintbrush.
Part II of the adventure can be found here. And third and final part is here.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey, thanks so much for putting up the pics of the book on your page. The magic paintbrush was my favourite book as a kid and it’s fantastic to see it again and get the same feelings from the incredibly emotive artwork as I did when I was young, so much so I was getting shivers remembering how much it fascinated me. Thanks again, M.Regan 27
My brother and I use to borrow this book from the school library about 20 years ago. Recently this book came up in conversation and we have been searching for it ever since! I never realised it was similar to the Three Little Pigs in the respect of having so many different versions, written by so many different authors, published by so many different companies. I have finally found the version that was so strongly saved in my memory – the pictures more than anything! I have bought many copies online that were not right. So now I can buy the right one – for both of us! So I too, was also pathetically pleased to find this book. . . . thank you!
Thank you so much for doing this. I came across Julia Donalson’s book the Magic Paintbrush and triggered my childhood memories of my own. Wil definitely be looking for this for my own kids.
Thanks again.
My abs fav book whilst growing up in England. Takes me back to my very bedroom in Willesden, London
Thanks for this, I just read this to my 7 year old before bed. This was my favorite as a child too. The book that I have has the same story but told by someone else. The version I have is very descriptive, the one you have is very to the point. What I like the best is the artwork. Thanks for the link to Mr. Aitchison!
Peace, Matt G
Thank you so much f’or this! Brings back so many memories!
My favourite book, I had the same copy. :) I actually got testy looking at this! Thank you.
Thank you so much f’or this! Brings back so many memories!
My favourite book, I had the same copy. :) I actually got teary looking at this! Thank you.
Melbourne Australia. 29
Thanks very much,
I know this an old posting, but I still wanted to say it. I’m discussing this story with Chinese primary school pupils (in English) and it really helps to have the English version of the story!
Have a nice week.
Paul.
Thank you for posting these images! It was a wonderful trip down memory lane for me to see them again. I had a flash of memory of the first image he painted – the stork, and remembered why I love art so much myself.
My school is doing a play on the book!
Dear Book Reading Society,
I felt that these books were really popular when I was young basically. I don’t believe there popularity will diminish. I really enjoyed reading lots of books when I was young.
I have the memories and hopefully they won’t depart from me.
Lucas Clements.
Yay! I am so glad I found it. Thank you so much! I have been telling this story to my daughter, I faintly remembered it. Now she can read it herself.
Wow!!!! I remember this book! I loved the lady bird series; The Magic Stone and the Little Porridge Pot amongst others were my favourites.
Oh the memories!! Thanks for sharing!
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