The Empty Pot - by Demi

About the Book

The aging Chinese Emperor gives one flower seed to each child in his kingdom. "In a year's time show me what you have grown", he declares, "and the flowers will choose my successor". Demi's exquisite art and simple text show how one child's failure is turned to success in a tale of honesty rewarded.

Book Synopsis

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."

Review Quotes

"When the Chinese Emperor announces an unusual test to choose an heir--the child who raises the best flowers from a seed given by the Emperor will be his successor--Ping, unaccountably, is unable to get his seed to sprout. . . . A lovely story, well told and most attractively presented." --Kirkus Reviews, pointer

"A beautifully crafted book that will be enjoyed as much for the richness of its illustrations as the simplicity of its story." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Demi has adapted and illustrated many folktales for children, including The Donkey and the Rock, Liang and the Magic Paintbrush, and The Dragon's Tale. She lives in Carnation, Washington.