Publisher blurb: 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.
Ping has an empty pot but others bring pots filled with glorious bright flowers.
A couple of days ago I mentioned The Empty Pot by Demi and I realised I had not shared this splendid book with you here. In fact I also need to talk in general about the US author and illustrator Demi.
Who is Demi? Demi is is the author and illustrator of more than one hundred books for children. Her works have received numerous awards and accolades, among them ALA Notable Children’s Books, The New York Times Best Illustrated Books, Notable Books for a Global Society, American Bookseller Pick of the Lists, the Middle East Book Award, and the Christopher Award, which recognises individuals whose work makes a positive difference in the world. Demi has travelled extensively and studied art in Mexico, India and China. She lives with her husband in Washington.
Her Chinese husband, Tze-si “Jesse” Huang, told Demi the story of The Empty Pot and The Magic Pillow. He remembered these tales from his childhood in China where his grandmother used to tell him ancient stories. Her original name was Charlotte Dumaresq Hunt.
This is a painting by William Morris Hunt the great grandfather of Demi:
Here are just a few of the books by Demi. They are expensive here in Australia and some are out of print but I suggest you look for books by Demi in your local or school library. If you work in a Primary school library I recommend you add The Empty Pot and The Magic Pillow to your library and if you work in a High School library I am certain your art teachers will love the colours, book design, and use of circle frames. Demi's book are wonderful to share with students.
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