Books like Liang and the magic paintbrush by Demi
A poor boy named Liang dreams of painting but can't afford any materials. One day, while fishing, he finds a magic paintbrush that brings to life anything he paints. Liang becomes obsessed with creating beautiful works of art, but he also realizes that painting can help him earn money. Liang learns valuable lessons about hard work, creativity, and the power of art. The story is a beautiful exploration of the power of imagination and the joy of making something real out of nothing.
First publish date: 1980
Genre: Children's Fiction/Children's Fantasy
Authors: Demi
★
★
★
★
★
4.0 (1 community ratings)
How are these books recommended?
The books recommended for Liang and the magic paintbrush by Demi are shaped by reader interaction. Votes on how closely books relate, user ratings, and community comments all help refine these recommendations and highlight books readers genuinely find similar in theme, ideas, and overall reading experience.
Have you read any of these books?
Your votes, ratings, and comments help improve recommendations and make it easier
for other readers to discover books they’ll enjoy.
Books similar to Liang and the magic paintbrush (18 similar books)
Two children, Betty and Dick, sit on a rainy day when the Cat in the Hat arrives and leads them through playful tricks and games, all set in rhythmic rhyme.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
When two girls are abducted every four years, they are sent to the fabled School for Good and Evil, where the first is destined for heroics and the second for villainy—until they discover their true wishes may lie elsewhere.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
The Rainbow Fish, the most beautiful fish in the ocean, learns that true beauty lies in sharing and friendship.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A charming picture book where a young rabbit imagines running away, only to find his mother ever-present, reflecting themes of imagination and maternal love.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
More stories of ghosts, witches, vampires, and scary songs for bedtime tales.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Five identical brothers use their unique powers to outwit an executioner.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Peter’s Chair follows a young boy who saves the last unpainted chair from being painted pink for a new baby sister, then runs away to protect his treasured piece.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A lively picture book in French where a boy uses animal metaphors—loud as a lion, quiet as a clam, tough as a rhino, gentle as a lamb—to explore personality and self‑confidence.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A thrilling adventure novel set in Victorian London, exploring the world of painting and magic.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Princess Djeow Seow, the smallest daughter of the emperor, shows unexpected courage when she rescues her father from prison in a towering citadel, exploring themes of loyalty, family and bravery.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A chroming spray of a magic paintbrush lifts young Steve and his elderly caretakers out of a modest Chinatown flat in San Francisco into a realm of wonder, where wishes can come true.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A magic paintbrush and a boy's heart: the story of a gifted artist and the magic of creativity.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Orphan who gains magical abilities thanks to a dream painting brush.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
When an unknown painter in Paris creates canvases that quack, crawl, and erupt, the vivid images capture the city’s imagination and catapult him to overnight fame.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A bilingual retelling of Gold + the Three Bears, this lively book blends Spanish and English text with charming illustrations to bring the classic fairy tale to new audiences.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Describes and illustrates a variety of painting techniques, including wax and paint, stencilling, glass painting, and face painting.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Some Other Similar Books
The Magic Paintbrush by Frederick C. WoodThe Enchanted Glass by T.A. Barron
The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
The Leaf, the Blossom, and the Brave by Mim E. R. Argueta
The Girl Who Painted Fairies by Ruth A. McNally
The Magic Paintbrush by Mingmei Yip
The Little Painter by Shirley Climo
The Story of the Magic Paintbrush by Kat Yeh
The Tale of the Magic Paintbrush by Tao Nyeu
Have a similar book in mind? Let others know!
Please login to submit books!