The Empty Pot

A friend of mine told me about this book and I was immediately taken with the story. I love the core point of personal integrity, sincere effort, and honesty in the story. I think that the way the story twists and makes its point at the end is powerful and will stick with its target audience. Heck, it will stick with me. But then I was already taken with those values a half century ago. When I see so many young people willing to cheat to “get ahead” and the idea that the ends justify the means or that getting your agenda implemented “by any means necessary” seems justified, well, I am horrified. This book makes the opposite and more traditional point. I think the traditional value has a longer term importance where the short term getting it all now seems attractive to some in the present, it yields a toxic fruit. The illustrations for the story are also beautiful and add to the interest children will have in reading the book. This is a story an adult can read with a child many times without wanting to beat their head against the wall, unlike so many children’s books that quickly become torture to read over and over and over again. I bought several copies for my grandkids and will keep buying them as new grandkids come along. And I will likely give it to other children for gifts, as well. I think it is that good. Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Saline, MI

I heard about this beautiful story in another book called, Golden, by Joni Hilton. I love children's picture storybooks so I was curious and checked it out. I love it's wonderful message of honesty and integrity. It's a parable for what is truly important in life! I not only bought the kindle version for myself, I bought a hardcover copy to give as a gift. It is marketed for ages 4-8, but it's also for those who are young at heart, and anyone who loves books! Note: The kindle version of any picture book is never going to be as nice as the hardcover copy. But it's still nice to have because it's always with you, and easy to share from an iPad. You just have to learn how to "click" the words on the very first page to enlarge them—in this case, the dedication—and then swipe each page after that to enlarge the rest of the text. "You did your best, and your best is good enough to present to the Emperor." —Demi, The Empty Pot

Such a well written story following a character named Ping. Throughout readers follow the main character through the struggle of growing beautiful flowers in hopes of becoming the next emperor. It is the underlying message that leads readers to learn the importance of being truthful. This story had my class speechless, and was a great book to use as we practiced identifying key details to find the author's intended message! 5 out of 5 stars!

Beautiful story

Has been my favorite "read to a child" book for almost 30 years. I truly believe its two major morals - your best is good enough and don't cheat or lie - are needed by children and adults now more than ever. I gift a copy to new parents, teachers, children whenever I can. It is visually beautiful. Demi's books are all excellent but this is by far my favorite. I still get emotional each time I share this book. (Get the hard cover. While the paperback is ok, the hard cover is the best.)

This is a wonderful story for young children with a powerful message about honesty and integrity

This is the cutest story. Probably for a bit older of a child. I got this for my 4 year old and he didn’t quite understand what was going on. After reading it I had to simplify and explain. I however, loved it and I know an older child would probably get more out of it. The quality of book is also nice. Obviously not for small children because it is not a board book so keep that in mind too.

Demi's stories are wonderful for kids. My children love to read it from time to time. The illustrations are not over the top and make it very pleasant to read.