'BRUSH' WITH GREATNESS

*TYE MAY AND THE MAGIC BRUSH Molly Garrett Bang (Mulberry, $4.95, ages 5 to 9) Overshadowed by Bang's other, award-winning books, this artful 1981 retelling of a traditional Chinese folk story gives beginning readers an exquisitely illustrated reason to read. A wicked emperor meets Tye May, a young girl with a remarkable gift-the ability to paint pictures that literally come to life. The tyrant takes Tye May prisoner and forces her to paint fantastic things for him. In the end, of course, the greedy emperor gets the brush-off. A