The Empty Pot

By Demi,

Book cover of The Empty Pot

Book description

The Empty Pot is Demi's beloved picture book about an honest schoolboy

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…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Empty Pot as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is my favourite book to read to children about honesty. It illustrates why it is good to tell the truth.

Often books focus on the negative aspects of lying. My research shows that it is important to show there are positive consequences for honesty.

In this book, the Emperor gives a seed to each child in the kingdom, proclaiming, “Whoever can show me their best in a year’s time, shall succeed me to the throne!”. The boy, Ping, plants his seed but it does not grow and he has nothing but an empty pot. He truthfully presents his failure.…

From Victoria's list on honesty you can read with children.

Oh, this book is one of my all-time favorites. This amazing folktale has such a powerful message about telling the truth and being true to who you are. I cannot say enough good things about this text. I have read this story every single year and it is one that my students have asked that I re-read-which doesn’t happen all that often. The storyline, the art, and the message make this folktale one of the best out there.

From Annemarie's list on folktales for children ages 4-8.

Want books like The Empty Pot?

Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Empty Pot.

Browse books like The Empty Pot

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in China, honesty, and folklore?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about China, honesty, and folklore.

China Explore 590 books about China
Honesty Explore 20 books about honesty
Folklore Explore 343 books about folklore