LOOK BACK: 2007 review on "The Empty Pot"
by Demi.
Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1990, 32 pages, Grades 1-3.
What is it like to grow beautiful flowers? Some people just seem to have a green thumb.
Ping, a young Chinese boy is such a person. When he plants bulbs, exquisite flowers burst into bloom. In fact, many Chinese people share Ping’s love for flowers and plants. The Chinese emperor is one such person.
Though the air of the imperial garden is scented with delightful fragrances, the emperor has a problem troubling him. The emperor is an old man and does not have a successor. Looking throughout his kingdom the emperor is at a loss to choose his successor. Many people will attempt to flatter an emperor. Others might want the kingdom for selfish reasons.
The emperor is faced with several crucial issues. First, the emperor is wise and knows that honesty, courage, hard work and character are the most important traits a ruler can possess. Second, how can the emperor discover the person possessing these virtues?
Both of these questions lead the emperor to a solution. He will let the flowers of the kingdom choose the next emperor. A contest is developed and all the children of China can participate. All the children must bring a flower to the emperor by the end of the year that demonstrates that they are the most suitable person in China to be chosen emperor.
Ping begins working fervidly on his project, but troubles begin to mount. Nothing seems to be able to help Ping. Events soon speed up. All the children come back to the emperor. Why do they all appear to be so satisfied? Why does Ping seem so despondent? Who is really honest?
Finally, could you look the Chinese emperor in the eye and tell him the total truth? To find out, go to your local library and check out this well-written, eminently satisfying picture book, "The Empty Pot" by Demi.
Demi is the pen name for Catherine Dumaresq Hunt. Born in 1942 in Massachusetts, Demi was formally trained in art at the Rhode Island School of Design, and later awarded a Fulbright scholarship. She has illustrated or written more than 130 books. She frequently uses Chinese themes in her works.
Most children are struck by Ping’s great courage and honesty when reading "The Empty Pot." I hope you enjoy this fine book about moral integrity.
