What do you think?
Rate this book
The Empty Pot
An IRA-CBC Children's Choice.
An American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists."
When Ping admits that he is the only child in China unable to grow a flower from the seeds distributed by the Emperor, he is rewarded for his honesty.
An American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists."
When Ping admits that he is the only child in China unable to grow a flower from the seeds distributed by the Emperor, he is rewarded for his honesty.
32 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 1990
61 people are currently reading
3072 people want to read
About the author
Demi
178 books179 followersDemi (September 2, 1942) born Charlotte Dumaresq Hunt, is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. During her career she has published over 300 titles.
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 743 reviews
January 7, 2025
فکر کنم توی مدرسه خوندیمش. از گوگل پرسیدم؛ گویا توی کتاب کلاس پنجمه. فقط مطمئن نیستم اون موقع هم بود یا نه.
هرچقدر هم قصهش رو شنیده باشیمش، دیدن تصویرای این کتاب خالی از لطف نیست.
وقتی ریویوی بیمحتواتری مینویسم، مهمتره که بگم: ممنون که خوندید.💙 :))
۱۹ دی ۱۴۰۳، همچنان تخت.
هرچقدر هم قصهش رو شنیده باشیمش، دیدن تصویرای این کتاب خالی از لطف نیست.
وقتی ریویوی بیمحتواتری مینویسم، مهمتره که بگم: ممنون که خوندید.💙 :))
۱۹ دی ۱۴۰۳، همچنان تخت.
November 20, 2020
این داستان رو بارها شنیده بودم ولی نه به این اسم. در باب راستگویی بود و پرهیز از دروغگویی. گرچه اخلاقیه ولی قشنگه. به قول سعدی:
راستی پیشه گیر و ایمن باش
که رهاننده تو بس باشد
راستی پیشه گیر و ایمن باش
که رهاننده تو بس باشد
February 27, 2012
Wow, one of the best children's books that I have read! This book emphasizes the fact that it is important to do your best always. If you have honestly worked hard and tried your best you will succeed. It shows children how honesty and perseverance pays off for the little boy Ping and makes him emperor. It helps children understand the value of truth, hard work and courage.
Extension- Provide children with a small foam cup each labelled with their name. Help them plant some flower seeds. Explain to them that plants need nurturing as well to grow. Place these cups in a corner in the classroom near a window. Ask each child to take care of his or her plant by watering them every day. Put up a chart or graph near the window where children can record their weekly observations about their plants.
Extension- Provide children with a small foam cup each labelled with their name. Help them plant some flower seeds. Explain to them that plants need nurturing as well to grow. Place these cups in a corner in the classroom near a window. Ask each child to take care of his or her plant by watering them every day. Put up a chart or graph near the window where children can record their weekly observations about their plants.
September 16, 2024
[در باب شریف بودن؛ در باب صداقت]
January 2, 2020
Easily one of my favorite stories I read as a child. After having reread it now, I am still filled with deep admiration for Ping to take his empty pot to the Emperor and cry to the Emperor.
But I had a much more noble vision of Ping, and when his friend had come before him asking why Ping hadn't been able to grow a flower as big as his friend's, Ping retorted, "I've grown lots of flowers better than yours," and "it's just this seed that won't grow". Even if his friend's statement was rude, a noble hero takes the punch. Instead, Ping comes off as a selfish boy who does not deserve to inherit the kingdom, especially after his father encourages Ping to go to the emperor with the empty pot. If there's anyone that is the real heroes in this story, it is the father.
Over the years I had forgotten much of the story and simplified it, ignoring this defect of Ping: his pride for gardening. My simplified version of the story earns five stars because of the noble Ping, who goes before the Emperor without any guidance but because of honesty and sadness in his own work. Ping's retorts and his father forcing him to go to the Emperor really knock this story down to 2 stars.
Update 9 June 2019
With the adoption of my new rating system, a two star rating is befitting. The review explains this in accordance with the new rating system. It should be noted that although I was disappointed with the story, it does not reach a one star rating.
January 2, 2020
I recall a detail that I recall leaving out in this sentence from the original review: "If there's anyone that is the real heroes in this story, it is the father". I enjoyed the father as a character (three star-rating), which helps in maintaining the two star-rating of the book. I also liked the nobleness of the Emperor.
But I had a much more noble vision of Ping, and when his friend had come before him asking why Ping hadn't been able to grow a flower as big as his friend's, Ping retorted, "I've grown lots of flowers better than yours," and "it's just this seed that won't grow". Even if his friend's statement was rude, a noble hero takes the punch. Instead, Ping comes off as a selfish boy who does not deserve to inherit the kingdom, especially after his father encourages Ping to go to the emperor with the empty pot. If there's anyone that is the real heroes in this story, it is the father.
Over the years I had forgotten much of the story and simplified it, ignoring this defect of Ping: his pride for gardening. My simplified version of the story earns five stars because of the noble Ping, who goes before the Emperor without any guidance but because of honesty and sadness in his own work. Ping's retorts and his father forcing him to go to the Emperor really knock this story down to 2 stars.
Update 9 June 2019
With the adoption of my new rating system, a two star rating is befitting. The review explains this in accordance with the new rating system. It should be noted that although I was disappointed with the story, it does not reach a one star rating.
January 2, 2020
I recall a detail that I recall leaving out in this sentence from the original review: "If there's anyone that is the real heroes in this story, it is the father". I enjoyed the father as a character (three star-rating), which helps in maintaining the two star-rating of the book. I also liked the nobleness of the Emperor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2021
Loved this picture book story that stresses the importance of honesty. Rami Malek does a great job reading it it for Storyline Online. He brought the story to life for me.
October 9, 2013
A great educational book for your children of all ages. My 5 yr old loved it as well as my 3 yr old twins. Lots of good information with beautiful pictures that will help keep children engaged. It was recommended as additional reading to my child's history lesson on China, and we all loved it. This legend from China is a wonderful story even adults will love. You'll also appreciate the subtle lesson embedded in the book. Can't wait to pick up more by Demi. A great addition to any children's library.
October 14, 2023
A kingdom where everyone loved flowers, especially a young boy named Ping who could make anything grow ... all of which is good to see in a story for children.
Ultimately, honesty is rewarded.
The art fits the story beautifully.
I wish Demi had included a note explaining the origins of the tale.
Ultimately, honesty is rewarded.
The art fits the story beautifully.
I wish Demi had included a note explaining the origins of the tale.
November 9, 2011
The Empty Pot by Demi demonstrates an authentic experience of a Chinese boy named Ping. The author was not born in China, but her inner perspective of the culture becomes evident in her book. The story takes place in China. The book shows Chinese children and an Emperor. The illustrations are colorful, accurate and true to the time period portrayed, and all details of each illustration are chronologically accurate.
As we read the book it moves us into Ping’s experience on trying so hard to get a seed to sprout into a flower. His disappointment and determination are profound as he finds himself failing on a task he has mastered his entire life. Since his passion and strength are growing beautiful flowers and trees, once in his life he finds presenting himself in front of others and the Emperor with an empty pot. The pot containing only the seed that the Emperor gave him and that he did not grow. To everyone’s surprise, he is rewarded instead of punished. He is also complimented for his honesty, courage and efforts.
The book demonstrates cultural details that make the story rich. The compassion that reader feels for the character Ping is similar to the compassion we would feel for any child that struggles on a given task. The story can easily inspire students to share and discuss their experiences about being honest or sharing their struggles on things they prevailed on or things they failed on. The language used in the story is not authentic, but the understanding and empathy that we develop for the main character is. The story illuminates the experience of members of a particular group and the text requires that characters be of a particular culture. This culturally specific book takes the reader’s imagination into China teaching the moral lesson that it takes courage to be honest, but honesty makes us worthy persons.
As we read the book it moves us into Ping’s experience on trying so hard to get a seed to sprout into a flower. His disappointment and determination are profound as he finds himself failing on a task he has mastered his entire life. Since his passion and strength are growing beautiful flowers and trees, once in his life he finds presenting himself in front of others and the Emperor with an empty pot. The pot containing only the seed that the Emperor gave him and that he did not grow. To everyone’s surprise, he is rewarded instead of punished. He is also complimented for his honesty, courage and efforts.
The book demonstrates cultural details that make the story rich. The compassion that reader feels for the character Ping is similar to the compassion we would feel for any child that struggles on a given task. The story can easily inspire students to share and discuss their experiences about being honest or sharing their struggles on things they prevailed on or things they failed on. The language used in the story is not authentic, but the understanding and empathy that we develop for the main character is. The story illuminates the experience of members of a particular group and the text requires that characters be of a particular culture. This culturally specific book takes the reader’s imagination into China teaching the moral lesson that it takes courage to be honest, but honesty makes us worthy persons.
December 13, 2021
This is a Children's book that I read to my twin boys. I loved the message in this book, and I have to say the message in this book is one of the strongest I have read in a children's book. I also think the message was easy for kids to understand. I love the courage and how brave the little boy in this book. I really loved this children's book.
July 6, 2016
I haven't read 5-star fiction in a while, but you know it when you see it. BAM!
Warm, innocent, magnetic, tender, and full of truth.
A climax which brought tears to my eyes.... hands down the best part of my entire day.
<3
Warm, innocent, magnetic, tender, and full of truth.
A climax which brought tears to my eyes.... hands down the best part of my entire day.
<3
March 11, 2019
Per my second graders: I liked the part when he took it to the emperor because he was honest.
July 30, 2022
I love this book. One of my favs.
September 5, 2015
A Chinese Emperor will make his successor to the throne the kid who success in showing him the best flower bloomed form the seeds he gave away to all the children in the land.
Ping did his best taking care of his seed, giving to it the best soil and water, but the flower never sprouted. Ashamed Ping brings an empty pot to the palace. All the children of the land have beautiful flowers to show.To his surprise the Emperor choose him his successor since the seeds were cooked and Ping was the only who told the truth.
Some of the points I found specially interesting in this story:
The Emperor looking for an honest person to be his successor. I liked the fact that honesty was placed over many other attributes like beauty or physical strength.
Ping's father encourages him to show the empty pot to the Emperor standing for his work. He says: "you did your best and your best is good enough to present to the Emperor."
Ping was not only honest, but dedicated when taking care of the seed, and courageous when presenting himself at the palace.
The illustrations are beautiful and full of color. They are visually different from most children's book pictures. Each page has an encircled image that remind me of Chinese porcelain plates. The traditional drawings suggest a traditional story, which gives a sense of wisdom contented in the pages of the book.
*This review is part of my project Characters with characters
Check out more children's book reviews in my Reviews in Chalk Blog!
Ping did his best taking care of his seed, giving to it the best soil and water, but the flower never sprouted. Ashamed Ping brings an empty pot to the palace. All the children of the land have beautiful flowers to show.To his surprise the Emperor choose him his successor since the seeds were cooked and Ping was the only who told the truth.
Some of the points I found specially interesting in this story:
The Emperor looking for an honest person to be his successor. I liked the fact that honesty was placed over many other attributes like beauty or physical strength.
Ping's father encourages him to show the empty pot to the Emperor standing for his work. He says: "you did your best and your best is good enough to present to the Emperor."
Ping was not only honest, but dedicated when taking care of the seed, and courageous when presenting himself at the palace.
The illustrations are beautiful and full of color. They are visually different from most children's book pictures. Each page has an encircled image that remind me of Chinese porcelain plates. The traditional drawings suggest a traditional story, which gives a sense of wisdom contented in the pages of the book.
*This review is part of my project Characters with characters
Check out more children's book reviews in my Reviews in Chalk Blog!
May 21, 2009
A wonderful story about the importance of telling the truth. Ping is the subject of a Chinese emperor who is exceptionally gifted at growing things. When it is time for the old king to choose his successor, he tests the children of the land by giving them each a seed to cultivate and bring to him within a year. Ping is unable to get this seed of all seeds to grow, and brings his empty pot to the king, whereupon the king reveals his wisdom in a surprise ending.
This is an aesthetic, moral story with an enjoyable mystery and very nice illustrations. Caring for plants is a central part of the story, and the ability to get a plant flourish may be symbolic for nurturing a kingdom. Although he gives his best, Ping fails at getting the seed to grow. Nevertheless, he demonstrates courage in presenting his empty pot, and his honesty is well rewarded.
This is an aesthetic, moral story with an enjoyable mystery and very nice illustrations. Caring for plants is a central part of the story, and the ability to get a plant flourish may be symbolic for nurturing a kingdom. Although he gives his best, Ping fails at getting the seed to grow. Nevertheless, he demonstrates courage in presenting his empty pot, and his honesty is well rewarded.
December 23, 2010
This is a wonderful tale. We recently read The King and the Seed and saw a reference to this story. Once I saw that it was by Demi, I just knew we needed to borrow it right away. We enjoyed both stories and talked a little about the differences between the two. We loved the illustrations in this story and although we liked both tales very much, I think this is our favorite of the two.
May 1, 2018
Our read aloud for the morning.
I loved this story, and so did my boys! We were already familiar with the folklore plot, but the pictures and the way the story was told added depth and meaning. My children talked about the meaning of the book as they walked to class.
I loved this story, and so did my boys! We were already familiar with the folklore plot, but the pictures and the way the story was told added depth and meaning. My children talked about the meaning of the book as they walked to class.
June 11, 2017
خاطره انگیز و آشنا...
در حدّی که نزدیک بود بگذارمش در قفسه ی کودکی! حال آن که در سی سالگی من منتشر شده است!
:)
عاشق ایده های ازلی-ابدی بعضی از کتاب های کودکانه ام.
یکی اش همین جناب ایشان.
در حدّی که نزدیک بود بگذارمش در قفسه ی کودکی! حال آن که در سی سالگی من منتشر شده است!
:)
عاشق ایده های ازلی-ابدی بعضی از کتاب های کودکانه ام.
یکی اش همین جناب ایشان.
March 13, 2021
This is a story of honesty, integrity, and courage.
October 14, 2024
Predictable sorry Phil
Read
October 13, 2021ler livro infantil = gostoso demais
October 6, 2011
I have always really liked The Empty Pot! I read it aloud to my students each year to teach them both the importance of courage and honesty. While I plan to continue this tradition, I also plan on using this text to expand my students awareness to Chinese culture and discuss how the culture is represented in this story.
The Emperor of China, seeks finding is successor. Children are challenged to grow the best flowers in one year with the seeds they receive from the Emperor. Ping, the main character, puts dedication and hard work into caring for his plant all year long. When it is time to present his pot to the Emperor, he shamefully displays his empty pot while the rest of the children share their pots full of gorgeous flowers. Ping is rewarded with his honesty and is named the next Emperor as the children learn that the seeds they received were cooked and could never grow.
Children's Books in Children's hands state, "Although Demi was not born Chinese, her thoroughness of research is evident, and readers who are Chinese find that her work reflects the perspective of insiders" (Temple, Martinez, Yokota, 114). This is apparent in Demi's illustrations and words. Her illustrations display the architectural design of buildings and style and design of clothing. Demi shows how China has a leader different from the United States called an Emperor as well as how integrity is valued in China. These details are unobtrusive to the story. The only question that I am still pondering is how a child reading this book on their own would know that an emperor's successor is not actually picked based on the seed challenge. This is a great teaching moment for a teacher to use with the book, but will students have misconceptions after reading this book on their own if they are unaware of this fictional part of the story?
I love the illustrations in this book especially the framed circular format. Line is used especially well to show movement like blowing tree branches and moving children. I especially liked the pages when the emperor asks the boy why he brought an empty pot. The only illustration is the emperor and Ping without any background or additional objects. This emptiness helps the reader feel Ping's shame and loneliness since he is the only child with an empty pot.
I look forward to continuing to read this book in my class, while adding an emphasis on the cultural perspective of China. The teachable moments in this book are endless!
The Emperor of China, seeks finding is successor. Children are challenged to grow the best flowers in one year with the seeds they receive from the Emperor. Ping, the main character, puts dedication and hard work into caring for his plant all year long. When it is time to present his pot to the Emperor, he shamefully displays his empty pot while the rest of the children share their pots full of gorgeous flowers. Ping is rewarded with his honesty and is named the next Emperor as the children learn that the seeds they received were cooked and could never grow.
Children's Books in Children's hands state, "Although Demi was not born Chinese, her thoroughness of research is evident, and readers who are Chinese find that her work reflects the perspective of insiders" (Temple, Martinez, Yokota, 114). This is apparent in Demi's illustrations and words. Her illustrations display the architectural design of buildings and style and design of clothing. Demi shows how China has a leader different from the United States called an Emperor as well as how integrity is valued in China. These details are unobtrusive to the story. The only question that I am still pondering is how a child reading this book on their own would know that an emperor's successor is not actually picked based on the seed challenge. This is a great teaching moment for a teacher to use with the book, but will students have misconceptions after reading this book on their own if they are unaware of this fictional part of the story?
I love the illustrations in this book especially the framed circular format. Line is used especially well to show movement like blowing tree branches and moving children. I especially liked the pages when the emperor asks the boy why he brought an empty pot. The only illustration is the emperor and Ping without any background or additional objects. This emptiness helps the reader feel Ping's shame and loneliness since he is the only child with an empty pot.
I look forward to continuing to read this book in my class, while adding an emphasis on the cultural perspective of China. The teachable moments in this book are endless!
October 24, 2012
Summary:
"The Empty Pot" is a book set in China. A boy named Ping loved flowers. Everything he touched bloomed as if by magic. Everyone in the kingdom loved flowers too, even the Emperor. One day the Emperor decided he needed to find a successor to his throne. He came up with a plan to give each child in the kingdom a seed and see who could grow the best flower. The child who could grow the best flower would be who the Emperor would choose to succeed him. All of the children came to the palace to get their own flower seeds. All winter Ping tried to grow the most perfect flower, but nothing would grow. He tried better dirt and a bigger pot and still the seed would not grow. He watered it everyday and still the seed would not grow. Finally on the day the children were to present the Emperor with the flowers they had grown, every child had pots filled with beautiful flowers, but Ping did not. He was very sad and when he was to go and show the Emperor his empty pot his friends asked him why he would even want to show the Emperor his empty pot. Ping was very sad, however, he still wanted to show the Emperor. After the Emperor looked at all of the beautiful flowers he find Ping and asked him why he was showing an empty pot. Ping said as he was crying, "I planted the seed you gave me and I watered it every day, but it didn't sprout. I put it in a better pot with better soil, but still it didn't sprout! I tended it all year long, but nothing grew. so today I had to bring an empty pot without a flower. It was the best I could do." As it turned out, the Emperor had given all of the children seeds that had been cooked, therefore, none of the seed could have grown. They had all cheated. The Emperor was so impressed with Ping. The Emperor was impressed with Ping's courage and honesty and rewarded him with making him Emperor of all the land.
Response:
This book deserves a 5 star rating. This book has all of the qualities of children’s literature as outlined in Children’s Books in Children’s Hands. (TMY, 2010, p. 9):
-expands awareness
-an enjoyable read that doesn’t overtly teach of moralize
-tells the truth
-embodies quality
-has integrity
-shows originality
Classroom Connection:
Use this book to introduce integrity. A good lesson for the whole class.
Awards:
An IRA-CBC Children's Choice
An American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists"
Lexile/ 630
"The Empty Pot" is a book set in China. A boy named Ping loved flowers. Everything he touched bloomed as if by magic. Everyone in the kingdom loved flowers too, even the Emperor. One day the Emperor decided he needed to find a successor to his throne. He came up with a plan to give each child in the kingdom a seed and see who could grow the best flower. The child who could grow the best flower would be who the Emperor would choose to succeed him. All of the children came to the palace to get their own flower seeds. All winter Ping tried to grow the most perfect flower, but nothing would grow. He tried better dirt and a bigger pot and still the seed would not grow. He watered it everyday and still the seed would not grow. Finally on the day the children were to present the Emperor with the flowers they had grown, every child had pots filled with beautiful flowers, but Ping did not. He was very sad and when he was to go and show the Emperor his empty pot his friends asked him why he would even want to show the Emperor his empty pot. Ping was very sad, however, he still wanted to show the Emperor. After the Emperor looked at all of the beautiful flowers he find Ping and asked him why he was showing an empty pot. Ping said as he was crying, "I planted the seed you gave me and I watered it every day, but it didn't sprout. I put it in a better pot with better soil, but still it didn't sprout! I tended it all year long, but nothing grew. so today I had to bring an empty pot without a flower. It was the best I could do." As it turned out, the Emperor had given all of the children seeds that had been cooked, therefore, none of the seed could have grown. They had all cheated. The Emperor was so impressed with Ping. The Emperor was impressed with Ping's courage and honesty and rewarded him with making him Emperor of all the land.
Response:
This book deserves a 5 star rating. This book has all of the qualities of children’s literature as outlined in Children’s Books in Children’s Hands. (TMY, 2010, p. 9):
-expands awareness
-an enjoyable read that doesn’t overtly teach of moralize
-tells the truth
-embodies quality
-has integrity
-shows originality
Classroom Connection:
Use this book to introduce integrity. A good lesson for the whole class.
Awards:
An IRA-CBC Children's Choice
An American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists"
Lexile/ 630
October 1, 2009
The Empty Pot was written and illustrated by Demi. It was published by Henry Holt and Company in 1990. The Empty Pot is a wonderful story about a young boy, Ping, who lived in China. Ping loved flowers, and he loved to grow flowers. One day, the Emperor of China declared that he needed to choose a successor. He decided that he was going to let the flowers decide who would be the next Emperor of China. He gave the children of China flower seeds to plant and explained that whoever could show the best flower in a year would be the next Emperor. Ping works diligently throughout the year, but could not get his flower to grow. He tried various methods to get his seed to grow, but it would not. When the year was up, the Emperor invited all of the children to return with their flowers. Ping was the only child to arrive with an empty flowerpot. All of the other children had beautifully grown flowers. The Emperor explained to all of the children that he had given them all cooked seeds, and that the seeds could not have grown into flowers. All of the other children had replaced the cooked seeds with real flower seeds to try and grow the best flower. Ping was the only child who had been honest and had not changed the seed. Because of his honesty, Ping was declared the next Emperor of China.
I think this is a wonderful story that could be used at the elementary level. It is a story that is well written and easy to relate to for young children. The story brings in the Chinese culture and introduces children to some of the history and traditions of China. It also incorporates many vocabulary words that relate to China. I also like that the book has an important lesson for the children to learn from reading this book. I would highly recommend reading this book to learn more about the Chinese culture and the importance of honesty.
Interest Level: Elementary School and Middle School
I think this is a wonderful story that could be used at the elementary level. It is a story that is well written and easy to relate to for young children. The story brings in the Chinese culture and introduces children to some of the history and traditions of China. It also incorporates many vocabulary words that relate to China. I also like that the book has an important lesson for the children to learn from reading this book. I would highly recommend reading this book to learn more about the Chinese culture and the importance of honesty.
Interest Level: Elementary School and Middle School
April 16, 2015
The Empty Pot by Demi is one of the cutest picture books I have read. It tells the story of a young boy named Ping, who loved flowers. The emperor of their kingdom, who also loved flowers, was getting old and needed to find an heir to inherit his kingdom once he passed. To find the perfect heir he created a contest for the children of the kingdom. He gave flower seeds to every child and promised that who whoever could show him their best in a years time would inherit the kingdom. So for an entire year Ping and the other children tended their seeds in hopes that they would grow into the most beautiful flower of them all. Everyone grew beautiful flowers, except for Ping. He had grown many other amazing flowers before but he could not get the seed that the emperor had given him to grow. When a year passed Ping took his empty pot to show the emperor and was discouraged by all of the other children's flowers.
When the emperor saw all the children's flowers he became very upset, until he saw Ping standing with his empty pot. Ping apologized and told the emperor how he had tried but he could not get the flower to grow. The emperor became very happy and praised Ping. It was a test that only Ping had passed. The emperor had given all cooked seeds to the children knowing they would not grow. Ping had not lied and used another seed when his did not grow like the other children had. He was honest. And that was what the emperor was looking for in his new heir.
This book has a great moral that teaches children not only that it is okay to fail, but that honesty is the best answer. The book was very well written and the illustrations were spectacular. Each image was shown in a round circle which I can only interpret as the inside of the pot. I would definitely recommend reading this book to your children,
When the emperor saw all the children's flowers he became very upset, until he saw Ping standing with his empty pot. Ping apologized and told the emperor how he had tried but he could not get the flower to grow. The emperor became very happy and praised Ping. It was a test that only Ping had passed. The emperor had given all cooked seeds to the children knowing they would not grow. Ping had not lied and used another seed when his did not grow like the other children had. He was honest. And that was what the emperor was looking for in his new heir.
This book has a great moral that teaches children not only that it is okay to fail, but that honesty is the best answer. The book was very well written and the illustrations were spectacular. Each image was shown in a round circle which I can only interpret as the inside of the pot. I would definitely recommend reading this book to your children,
May 7, 2019
This is such a sweet story about a young boy trying his best and being honest. He's ashamed that he can't get the Emperor's seed to grow and has to bring him an empty pot when all the other children basically cheated and brought different flowers. His father told him that his best was good enough, and that makes me wish many parents would read this to their children. This story would be a great conversation starter about honesty and about doing your best even when you're discouraged. I'm not a fan of animated digital books, but I'll show the Storyline version to my class before the year is through to remind them how proud I am of them and for them to always try their best even when things get hard.
November 2, 2017
This is a great tale for younger children...really even for those who are starting in the 1st grade. This is a tale that speaks to the characteristics of self-worth as well as honesty. Young Ping, the main character of the story, learns that he has a unique talent for nurturing a garden. But when given the opportunity to take part in a competition, he realizes that there are others whose results and talent appears to be better than his own. This, of course, brings him to the point of discouragement. He is later reminded that throughout the race to the top, he has done nothing but given his all and that he should not belittle himself for the effort he has made. I believe that one of the concepts the author wanted their readers to realize is how we should not base our own worth on other people's actions, thoughts, or success. We should take pride in who we are and know that if we continue to thrive to reach our goals, we can do nothing but improve upon ourselves day by day.
May 31, 2022
‘I tended it all year long, but nothing grew. So today I had to bring an empty pot without a flower. It was the best I could do.’
This little tale, with so many colours on every page, promises that staying true to oneself yields rewards. The book calls it honesty, and it can very well be about being honest with oneself. There is no need to pretend to be someone you are not. There is no need to try blending in. There is no need to be in fear of consequences when you choose to be who are. These are precious lessons, and they are difficult to practise because the world is beyond the binaries of actions and consequences. But the assurance lies in being told that it’s absolutely okay to bring an empty pot because it’s not the flower that proves your potential, but the way you carefully and consistently tend the seed without knowing if it would flower.
This little tale, with so many colours on every page, promises that staying true to oneself yields rewards. The book calls it honesty, and it can very well be about being honest with oneself. There is no need to pretend to be someone you are not. There is no need to try blending in. There is no need to be in fear of consequences when you choose to be who are. These are precious lessons, and they are difficult to practise because the world is beyond the binaries of actions and consequences. But the assurance lies in being told that it’s absolutely okay to bring an empty pot because it’s not the flower that proves your potential, but the way you carefully and consistently tend the seed without knowing if it would flower.
February 24, 2013
Wonderful book to use with students about the importance of being honest. I used this book in two language arts lessons to demostrate characters, the plot, the problem, and the conflict resoultion. We also used this story to teach what a moral of a story is all about. Finally, I created a story basket to teach the chiuldren about sequencing with this story. This is a great book to use in teaching. The students really take to it and try to understand. They wanted me to read it to them twice ina row.
April 28, 2020
SBC
This story would be a great topic book around Chinese new year. This story provides children with thinking around persistence, to try your best, and so on.
This story provides a simple and clear structure that can be used for children to create their own stories: introduce character- build-up: going to be a new emperor- problem: seed would not grow- solution: still took to the emperor- ending: became next emperor
This story provides opportunities for Cross-Curricular, culture, housing, growing plants, PSHE and so on. Would definitely use this story in the future.
This story would be a great topic book around Chinese new year. This story provides children with thinking around persistence, to try your best, and so on.
This story provides a simple and clear structure that can be used for children to create their own stories: introduce character- build-up: going to be a new emperor- problem: seed would not grow- solution: still took to the emperor- ending: became next emperor
This story provides opportunities for Cross-Curricular, culture, housing, growing plants, PSHE and so on. Would definitely use this story in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 743 reviews