1996 - The Empty Pot by Demi (Multicultural)

June 27 2010

1996 - The Empty Pot

Author/Illustrator: DEMI

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

ISBN: 0805049008

This book captivated me instantly as soon as I saw the picture on the cover with the little boys face looking so distraught. I wanted to know what had happened to this child to make him look this way. As I read the story I found out that Ping had very good reason to have felt the way he felt.

This is a wonderful story that takes place in China and teaches children about the traditions of this country and most importantly the moral of honesty. Ping is a boy that has a love for flowers and plants and is an expert at growing them. Ironically the Emperor loves flowers just as much. He has a garden of his own that he tends to everyday. But as the Emperor is getting old, he proclaims for "a new successor". He calls for all the children of the land to come to him to recieve flower seeds and in a years time whomever brings forth the best plant, "would succeed him to his throne. After a year poor Ping had gone through many triumphs to try and make his seeds grow, but to his dismay and hard work nothing had grown. An unbelievable moment to Ping, his family and friends. Regardless of his embarassment of an "empty pot", he finds courage and brings it forth to the Emperor. The Emperor is quite impressed with his honesty for all the others had been dishonest. You need to read the book yourself to find out why the dishonesty, and what happens to Ping in the end. You will be pleased with the enjoyable surprise.

This book brings forth the importance of honesty and how it will prevail in the end. You need to be yourself and portray yourself just as you are regardless of the impression you might leave on others.

With this book you can introduce Chinese culture and tradition, use the beautiful illustrations to give students an understanding of history (how people authentically dress in China, learn what an Emperor is etc.), and learn the importance of honesty. As honesty is a wonderful moral to learn and know that it can be rewarded in the end.