Empty Pot Chinese Folktale (An Owlet Book)

I love children's books and have a vast number, despite the fact that I only keep books that are at least very good. Even so, every once in awhile I discover a book so beautiful, that I wish I could share it with the whole world. This is one of those books. It is a lovely story, but it is the message that makes this book worth buying and I truly wish every child on earth could be read this story at least once. The Empty Pot is an old Chinese Folktale. It tells the story of a little boy named Ping. Although he is young, he has a natural talent for growing things and some affinity with plants. When the old Emperor announces a contest to choose his successor, Ping has very high hopes. All of the children in the kingdom will be given one seed, and whichever child can grow the most beautiful flower will become the next emperor. Ping is very devoted in caring for his seed, but despite his best efforts, the seed never sprouts. A whole year passes, and Ping never gives up, nurturing and caring for the seed in the empty pot, but when at last the day of the contest arrives, he still has nothing to show for his efforts. The child is embarrassed and ashamed, but even so, he goes forward to present his best effort to the emperor. Ping stands alone, among thousands of children each with a beautiful flower. He is the only child who has failed - or has he? He bravely stands before the Emperor and recounts has he has cared for the seed all year, but even so, nothing has grown. How will the Emperor react to this failure? I loved this story for several reasons. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. They have a very Eastern quality to them that transports the reader to another place and time. In particular, I love the trees. The child's expressions are perfect to, as is the passing of the seasons. This is a lovely book for teaching very young children about the seasons. I also found this book useful in teaching some philosophy and critical thinking to the children as well. At first the Emperor's test seems a very silly way to find a good ruler for the land, but after reading this, we discussed how the character traits displayed through this test would show who would really make some one capable to rule a country with wisdom and kindness. I love this book for the lesson it teaches children. This story shows the character of Ping, as he never gives up, nurturing the dead seed for an entire year. Ping displays honour and honesty as well as courage in the story. But no matter how wonderful the moral to a story, if the book does not engage children, it is worthless. No child wants books which just preach about good behaviour and character. They want a story that entertains as well. The Empty Pot does just that. My children were immediately drawn to the beautiful illustrations. They felt sorry for Ping as he tried so hard and nothing happened, but life has many disappointments. Their favourite part by far was the ending. I can't recommend this book highly enough for parents. This is a lovely story that we have enjoyed reading several times. The story is simple enough, and so richly illustrated, I feel it would suit children from the age of 3 up, and perhaps just a wee bit younger. It is difficult to put an upper age limit on this. My children are ages 5 and 8 and both enjoyed this, and learned something from it. I am much older and I have to admit, I really enjoyed this myself. I believe reading books like this serves a purpose similar to meditation. It calms the spirit and allows us to look at the world in a different way. As such, I really don't think there is an upper age limit for this. I think it can leave any reader with something of value. My reviews may appear elsewhere under the same user name or Marge3781, as well as on my own home education website.

This is a retelling of an ancient Chinese tale with a good moral which is that honesty is rewarded. All the other children in the kingdom cheat in a challenge given by the Emperor to grow a plant for dead seed - only our hero Ping is brave enough to present the Emperor with an empty pot earning both his admiration and his kingdom. Demi has retold this story simply and clearly and it would be a great book to have in school - good when looking at traditional tales from different countries; good when discussing making the right choices. Probably ideal for around 6 - 8 year olds.

The book is beautifully illustrated, the story is captivating and also teaches the children the importance of being honest. My daughter is 3 and keeps asking to read the book. It’s her bedtime favourite one now.

This is such a lovely story and beautifully illustrated. I read it to a Year 2 class and they loved it. Such a good message for the children to understand at the end.

A lovely moral tale about being brave and telling the truth - my reception class loved it. Beautiful illustrations.

LOVED reading this with my 7 year old son. It raised some questions for him that we got to discuss about honesty and not trying to fake things just to be like everyone else. Lovely, lovely story, REALLY happy with purchase.

A lovely book which teaches the importance of honesty and being brave enough to tell the truth It is beautifully written and illustrated.

Great book bought for my granddaughter - says she loves it and certainly I have read it to her a number of times now.