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  • The Guardian's Quest (The Magic Paintbrush #2)

The Guardian's Quest
(The Magic Paintbrush #2)

Author
Illustrator
Phoebe Zhong
Publication Date
July 29, 2025
Genre / Grade Band
Fiction /  4th − 5th
Language
English
Format
Chapter Book
Includes Illustrations
The Guardian's Quest (The Magic Paintbrush #2)

Description

In the second book of this epic fantasy series, eleven year old Amy's malfunctioning paintbrush accidentally paints a portal to a mythical world! But when she discovers that the paintbrush is running out of power, Amy must undergo a Trial to prove her worth as the guardian of the magic paintbrush.

Ever since she became the guardian of the magic paintbrush, Amy has been nonstop painting. But when her paintbrush starts glitching, Amy accidentally paints a portal to a strange, magical world filled with creatures of Chinese folktales!

A mysterious cat from the portal leads Amy and her friends Diego and Luna to Minli, who presents herself as the creator of the paintbrush, and her magical forest. The magic paintbrush's power is dwindling. Amy has two weeks to complete a Trial, a series of three tests to prove she is worthy to be the paintbrush's guardian.

Amy's quest will take her to mystical places. She'll have help from Diego, Luna and the secretive Cat who may be a friend or foe. Amy and her friends must face dangerous threats, perilous landscapes, and the ever-looming feeling that everything might not be what it seems....

Award-winning author Kat Zhang teams up with Eric Darnell, the writer and director of the Madagascar series and the Chief Creative Officer of Baobab Studios on this story about responsibility, the power of friendship, and what it means to be worthy.

Publication date
July 29, 2025
Genre
Fiction
Page Count
240
ISBN-13
9780593179970
Publisher
Crown Books for Young Readers
Series
The Magic Paintbrush
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV011020 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Asian American
Library of Congress categories
Magic
Art
Fantasy
Fantasy fiction
Chinese Americans
Novels
Paintbrushes

Kirkus

Magic, wonder, and the power of creation combine in this tale of trials and rewards. 

Kat Zhang
Kat Zhang loves traveling to places both real and fictional--the former have better souvenirs, but the latter allow for dragons, so it's a tough choice. A writer of books for teens and children, she spends her free time scribbling poetry, taking photographs, and climbing atop things she shouldn't. You can learn more about her at KatZhang.com.

Charlene Chua draws many things, from baos to dragons, and everything in between. When they are not drawing, they enjoy cooking, reading, and playing with their cats. Charlene grew up in Singapore, and now lives in Canada. Her favorite baos are still char siu baos, and her favorite dumplings are air-fryer wontons!
Other Books In Series:

The Magic Paintbrush

The Guardian's Quest (The Magic Paintbrush #2)
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