In real life, the good guys don't always win. Sometimes evil triumphs. One might have to wait until the afterlife for judgement and reward. A gentle folk tale about the power of the truth, The Empty Pot tells the story of a young boy who refuses to kowtow to peer pressure and he is rewarded in this life for his integrity and bravery.
It is a simple book with dazzling, colorful illustrations. There are only two main characters, the Emperor of China and a small boy, Ping. Both are avid gardeners. The Emperor decides to use a seed-growing test to decide who the next emperor will be. When Ping's seed does not grow and he is ashamed to bring his empty pot to the Emperor's gathering of children, his father reassures him in love, "Your best is good enough to present to the Emperor." What child wouldn't benefit from such a loving, protective father!
We may have to remind our children that they will not always be rewarded like Ping in this life for honesty in difficult situations, but the lesson of the story- personal responsibility and honesty at all times- is an important one.
this book should be read: when one needs strength to tell the hard truth
this book is special because: beautifully detailed illustrations, unforced yet culturally diverse, strong and compassionate authority figures
what's a favorite children's book that you would still read today?
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Sounds great! I'm always on the lookout for good books to read to my grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteCindy at Notes in the Key of Life
I love this one- and I love that the adult figures of the father and the emperor are positive - many times the adult figures are a little dim (like papa Berenstein bear)
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