8 // The Empty Pot / Demi

The Empty Pot Written and illustrated by Demi

• Henry Holt and Company

• 1990

• When Ping admits that he is the only child in China unable to grow a flower from the seeds distributed by the Emperor, he is rewarded for his honesty.

• Would use with folklore units, character lessons on honesty and perseverance.

• The traditional Chinese style of the illustrations in this book set the setting so well! I love how each page is in a circle frame that reminds me of fancy painted dishes. A main concern I have however is that I could not find evidence of this being a true Chinese folktale. Demi, while obviously approaching this story with a respectful tone, is not of Asian heritage herself from what I read. I like to see folktales that are true folktales, and honest advertisement such as "a story in the tradition of *culture* folktales" with appropriate back matter noting sources or inspiration would be nice. I recognize this book is over 30 years old though!