The Empty Pot (Paperback)

From the Publisher: 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. 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 embarassing failure is turned triumphant in this satisfying tale of honesty rewarded.