An IRA-CBC Children's Choice.
An American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists."
An American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists."
The Empty Pot (An Owlet Book)
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Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
A Chinese boy with an green thumb wins the emperor's competition; PW praised the "extraordinarily delicate Oriental landscapes." Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-- When the Chinese emperor proclaims that his successor will be the child who grows the most beautiful flowers from the seeds the emperor distributes, Ping is overjoyed. Like the emperor, he loves flowers and anything he plants bursts into bloom. But the emperor's seed will not grow, despite months of loving care, and Ping goes before the emperor carrying only his empty pot. The emperor ignores the beautiful blossoms brought by the other children and chooses Ping, revealing that the seeds he handed out had been cooked and could not grow. This simple story with its clear moral is illustrated with beautiful paintings. Each page contains a single picture, shaped like a stiff, rounded, paper fan and framed in celadon brocade that subtly changes pattern from one spread to the next. Isometric perspective, traditional Chinese architecture, and landscape motifs are combined with Demi's fine line and lively children and animals. While all the landscapes featuring the emperor and the other children are in brilliant red, gold, and purple, the scenes involving Ping alone are predominantly beige and delicate green. Ping is almost always shown as a solitary figure in contrast to the busy groups of running, smiling children, reinforcing theportrait of him as a quieter, more contemplative person whose values make him a worthy heir to the emperor. A beautifully crafted book that will be enjoyed as much for the richness of its illustrations as for the simplicity of its story. --Eleanor K. MacDonald, Beverly Hills Public Library
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Format:School & Library Binding
The artwork in this book is among the most exquisite I've ever seen in a children's book--or for that matter, in ANY book. Whatever the artist was paid, it wasn't enough! Everything--from the 50 or so little boys and girls to their flowers to the kimonos they wore for the presentation to the Emperor--was done in such minute detail, and no duplication in any of it. Each child had a personality and style all their own. Even if your child is a newborn or an infant, this book is worth getting just so the two of you can be dazzled by the visuals.
And the story!--no matter what your religion, creed, or background, the message is timeless. Ping's family and friends all know what a green thumb he has, and you'd think he'd be a shoo-in for Emperor when the seeds are distributed. The flowers DO decide who the next Emperor is. . .but not in the way you might think. There are two very wise men who figure prominently in this story: the Emperor and Ping's father, who tells Ping, "your best is good enough to present to the Emperor." And the unspoken message there is, "I'm proud of you, son, and I believe in you." Three cheers for Ping!
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By S. Palfi
Format:Paperback
This is a perfect story to teach my little one the value of telling the truth, no matter what that truth may be. I first heard this story on "Between the Lions" and couldn't wait to own it myself. In life, the the truth may not alway win you the prize (as it does in this story) but standing up for what is right is a great quality that I feel is severly lacking in our society today. With this book, let's teach the next generation!
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By Momma J.
Format:Paperback
This book amazed me. I picked it up at a garage sale with a stack of other kid's books, and after the first read I was hooked! This book is a treasure. The art is gorgeous and the story is masterfully told. I love the way the author delivers the moral message of the story--it is clear enough that children "get it" but at the same time it's never preachy or moralizing. Children as young as 3 will enjoy the story for it's engaging pictures and the moral message is appropriate for any age.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Well, I guess 30 **5-Star Reviews** pretty much says it all. This book is just a delight. The artwork is good and the story is mesmerizing for adults and children alike.
As a mom of two young children I especially like that there are teaching points throughout in this book. First, there is Ping's persistence with the seed that just refuses to sprout. He tries again and again with different methods, and never says 'I can't' until there is no time left.
Then there is the fact that Ping and his father set their own standards and don't do what everyone else does. They remain honest in the face of great temptation, and neither looks to others to decide how to act.
[I have used this as a starting point of discussion with my own children to talk about how there will be circumstances in their lives in which other people are doing such-and-such and that they will feel pressured to go along with the crowd --yield to temptation-- but that like Ping we have to act according to what is right.]
Five Stars. Nice Art. Good read-aloud. This book has a great story with good lessons.
As a mom of two young children I especially like that there are teaching points throughout in this book. First, there is Ping's persistence with the seed that just refuses to sprout. He tries again and again with different methods, and never says 'I can't' until there is no time left.
Then there is the fact that Ping and his father set their own standards and don't do what everyone else does. They remain honest in the face of great temptation, and neither looks to others to decide how to act.
[I have used this as a starting point of discussion with my own children to talk about how there will be circumstances in their lives in which other people are doing such-and-such and that they will feel pressured to go along with the crowd --yield to temptation-- but that like Ping we have to act according to what is right.]
Five Stars. Nice Art. Good read-aloud. This book has a great story with good lessons.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
"It's a jungle out there." And it really is. So how are we going to teach our children to live in today's society? I for one am going to teach my children to be honest- no matter what the cost. In the end, as in The Empty Pot, honesty is always the best policy. The setting is ancient China. The emperor loves flowers and is growing old. He needs to find a replacement for his crown. How to find a replacement? Give each child in the village a seed to see who can grow the most beautiful flower of course! Young Ping, who is an outstanding gardner, has little doubt he will grow a great flower for the emperor. The problem is, Ping's seed will not grow. All of the other kids are growing wonderful flowers, but yet Ping is failing. The day finally arrives and the emperor orders all of the children to bring their flowers to be inspected. Ping is ashamed, he has nothing to show. He approaches his father for advice. His father tells him that his pot, although empty of a beautiful flower, is sufficient enough; he did his best and the empty truth must do. So young Ping goes to the village with his empty pot. The emperor, while inspecting the various flowers, looks rather gloom. At last he approaches Ping. He asks Ping why is pot is empty. Ping explains that he did his best to grow the flower but it just would not grow. The emperor smiles and exclaims that he has found his replacement. He goes on to explain that all of the seeds he had given to the children were COOKED and therefore could not grow. Now you tell me, is honesty something you want to teach your children? If so, you will love this book. (By the way, my version is rather condensed and does not do the story nor the illustrations justice).... Read more ›
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By "vtgrneyz"
Format:Paperback
I recently read this book to a group of first and second graders to accompany our current unit on plants. The children listened to the story and were in awe of the vibrant illustrations. We were able to discuss not only what we had learned about seeds (in that the cooked one wouldn't grow), but the lesson that the kids pulled from it was probably the most valuable. They talked about how telling the truth was more important than being ashamed of one's "failure"--that those who tell the truth often come out "on top,"and it is those people that we want to associate with. The book also sparked great conversation on what an Emporer was and the important attributes of a great leader. A wonderful story that children will want to pick up and read again and again!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Honesty
Great book with super message about honesty. Well written, lovely illustrations - a must for every family to read together.
Published 2 months ago by A. A. Lorch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely Book!
We just loved this book. I bought it for my 8-year old. It is a very engaging story, with a moral message which keeps you guessing until the end of the story. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Carmen Lay
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book with beautiful pictures
I purchased this book for my 6 yrs old daughter's reading class. It's written very simply, but delivers a message that's easy for all ages to understand; always be truthful. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lisa Sims
5.0 out of 5 stars
A book with a lesson
I love that this book teaches an important lesson. Most books push a generic message, but this one is genuine! It is one I will keep and pass on!
Published 5 months ago by Danielle Waler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book, great lesson
This is by far my favorite Demi book. Very simple story, great pictures, powerful lesson about honesty. Well done. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Simone Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Couage to be Honest
Customer Video Review
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Published 16 months ago by Annamarie Squailia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely
This is a wonderful book. Excellent story and lovely illustrations. My 6 year-old enjoys listening to this book and I hope that she understands its message. Read more
Published 16 months ago by tessarat
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good, but a moral double standard after all
I agreed with everyone in thinking that this was a good, moral story. I got this for my daughter when she was 3, but it's only now that she's 6 that she finally likes it. Read more
Published 17 months ago by spacemom3
5.0 out of 5 stars
Has a good lesson for all ages
I loved this book and thought it showed good morals to always being honest and striving to do your best. I would highly recommend it to others.
Published 18 months ago by Lahara
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun and Games
Christmas is on the list and getting special items are the fun of the seasons of the year. Thankyou much.
Published 19 months ago by Paul D. Harvey
