Books with author Brian Ward

In this charming children’s book, playwright and director of a childrens theatre company, Brian Seward, puts an imaginative and modern spin on the beloved Chinese folktale of the same name -- THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH. Young readers will be delighted that some of the illustrations are left uncolored so they can color them in on their own. In Seward’s story, the main character is Tony Lee, a ten year old student from present day Singapore. Struggling with the boredom and pressure of his studies, he finds his copy of Ma Liang and the Magic Paintbrush and wishes he could discover a magical paintbrush of his own. Like all good fairytales, Tony’s wish comes true! With a broad sweep, a magic brush transports Tony back hundreds of years, to a southern province in ancient China. Quite suddenly, Tony finds himself dressed like the legendary Ma Liang, with a beautiful phoenix by his side. Realising that the magic brush can bring to life anything he paints, Tony generously offers to paint whatever the villagers need. Chickens, cows, ploughs, rice and all things nice! But wait there’s danger lurking behind the trees! Sotong and Shrimp - the greedy emperor’s nasty guards - pounce on Tony while his back is turned. What will happen to Tony now? Will the evil emperor use the paintbrush to bring destruction to the land? Will Tony ever get back home in time for his exams? Through the fun text, a clear and strong moral message about friendship, the dangers of using, or abusing power, and the value of creativity is presented in this tale. This is a story that will appeal to anyone who appreciates a good read and a hearty laugh.

Imagine what it was like to be sick before the days of anaesthesia, antibiotics and micro-surgery. Discover which plants and animals were used in early medical practice, how the anatomical studies of the Middle Ages revolutionized our understanding of the human body, and how today's sophisticated technology has increased our capacity to cure disease.