The Empty Pot

Written & illustrated by Demi

A young boy named Ping is given a special seed by the Emperor to grow the most beautiful flower, but it refuses to sprout.

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 5,974 ratings

32 pages· 671 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

$19.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In ancient China, young Ping, a gifted gardener, faces a daunting challenge. The Emperor, seeking an heir, distributes seeds to all children, promising the throne to the one who grows the best flower. Despite his efforts, Ping's pot remains empty. As spring arrives, he must present his barren pot to the Emperor. Will his honesty in failure lead to unexpected triumph? Discover how Ping's courage and integrity turn an embarrassing moment into a rewarding lesson in this enchanting tale of truth and virtue.

From the publisher

The Empty Pot is Demi’s beloved picture book about an honest schoolboy

A long time ago in China there was a boy named Ping who loved flowers. Anything he planted burst into bloom.

The Emperor loved flowers too. When it was time to choose an heir, he gave a flower seed to each child in the kingdom. “Whoever can show me their best in a year’s time,” he proclaimed, “shall succeed me to the throne!”

Ping plants his seed and tends it every day. But month after month passes, and nothing grows. When spring comes, Ping must go to the Emperor with nothing but an empty pot.

Demi’s exquisite art and beautifully simple text show how Ping’s embarrassing failure is turned triumphant in this satisfying tale of honesty rewarded.

An IRA-CBC Children’s Choice.

An American Bookseller “Pick of the Lists.”

At a glance

Format
Pages: 32
Words: 671
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 630L

Themes & topics

Books about flowers Books about lying Books about China Books about honesty Books about bravery

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.3

out of 7

6.0

“I really enjoyed the sweet message of this book. An honest little boy earns a great reward for his courage.”

Mom of Boys

Trusted reviewer

5.0

“This is a fantastic story about the courage it takes to be honest sometimes, as well as the worth of the truth. The illustrations date the book but are still enjoyable and fit well with the books setting, giving it an air of folklore that fits the instructive but not grating moralizing message.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

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