A classic, the illustrations are Demi's distinctive style and though it's a little silly to choose a child successor based on horticultural challenges, this is a bit more of a Wonka test.

I'm guessing I read this as a wee one but who knows. I am a little shocked as an adult to see that Demi's a white lady, though- always assumed Asian due to the subject and style of her books! ( )

Independent Reading Level: Grades 2-3

Awards: IRA-CBC Children's Choice, American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists."

Young Ping loves flowers as does the Emperor. One day the Emperor announces that he will give each child a seed and the child who grows the best flower will be the next Emperor. Ping tries his best, watering, replanting, and tending the seed daily, no flower grows for Ping, He takes his empty pot among all the beautiful flowers the other children brought. When the Emperor notices the empty pot, he rewards Ping's honesty with the title of Emperor. A great story about honesty. Pictures are somewhat stereotypical. ( )

Genre
Fairy tale and folklore-inspired fiction
Picture books for children
Tone
Moving
Quiet
Illustration
Delicate
Detailed
Location
China
Subject
Boys
Chinese people
Competition
Flowers
Gardening
Honesty in children
Rulers

The empty pot tells the story of a young Chinese boy who grew the most beautiful flowers. However, when he was challenged by the emperor his legacy took an unanticipated turn. I loved reading this book because it told a beautiful story while also teaching me about Chinese culture and customs. ( )