Rating: 
Summary: Sowing Seeds of Courage and Truth
Review: I recently read this book to a group of first and second graders to accompany our current unit on plants. The children listened to the story and were in awe of the vibrant illustrations. We were able to discuss not only what we had learned about seeds (in that the cooked one wouldn't grow), but the lesson that the kids pulled from it was probably the most valuable. They talked about how telling the truth was more important than being ashamed of one's "failure"--that those who tell the truth often come out "on top,"and it is those people that we want to associate with. The book also sparked great conversation on what an Emporer was and the important attributes of a great leader. A wonderful story that children will want to pick up and read again and again!
Rating:
Summary: Sowing Seeds of Courage and Truth
Review: I recently read this book to a group of first and second graders to accompany our current unit on plants. The children listened to the story and were in awe of the vibrant illustrations. We were able to discuss not only what we had learned about seeds (in that the cooked one wouldn't grow), but the lesson that the kids pulled from it was probably the most valuable. They talked about how telling the truth was more important than being ashamed of one's "failure"--that those who tell the truth often come out "on top,"and it is those people that we want to associate with. The book also sparked great conversation on what an Emporer was and the important attributes of a great leader. A wonderful story that children will want to pick up and read again and again!
Rating:
Summary: Teaching Honesty Through Art
Review: I was introduced to Demi's "The Empty Pot" while visiting an English-speaking elementary school in Hong Kong. It delighted me, and I have used it as a teaching aid for children in my congregation. Teaching honesty to children can be a challenge, but "The Empty Pot" allows a wonderfully illustrated story to do its work. This short book even has a surprise ending which will delight its young readers!I used this book by reading it aloud to pre-school children who had not yet learned to read. The colorful pictures showing a traditional Chinese culture so different from America generated many questions. We talked about most of pages as we read along in the book. The conclusion is very powerful and offers a unique time to discuss the value of honesty. Religion teachers will find this story to be a good way to segue into discussions about personal religious principles.
Rating:
Summary: Teaching Honesty Through Art
Review: I was introduced to Demi's "The Empty Pot" while visiting an English-speaking elementary school in Hong Kong. It delighted me, and I have used it as a teaching aid for children in my congregation. Teaching honesty to children can be a challenge, but "The Empty Pot" allows a wonderfully illustrated story to do its work. This short book even has a surprise ending which will delight its young readers! I used this book by reading it aloud to pre-school children who had not yet learned to read. The colorful pictures showing a traditional Chinese culture so different from America generated many questions. We talked about most of pages as we read along in the book. The conclusion is very powerful and offers a unique time to discuss the value of honesty. Religion teachers will find this story to be a good way to segue into discussions about personal religious principles.
Rating:
Summary: Great moral about being honest
Review: Its a little over my 3.5 year old's head, I have to explain it alot but I will keep reading it. Its a good story with a great moral about honesty and it exposes him to other cultures. I'll keep pulling it out and reading it, because he will get it eventually, but right now he asks lots of questions which is fine.
Rating:
Summary: A child can grasp this tale
Review: My 4 year old asked many questions about the tale and I was very happy to explain. Even at a young age I think a child can handle the deep message. Maybe each of us are born with this capacity to choose. Although the setting is a world away, the story is similar in spirit to the one of young George Washington and the cherry tree. There George had to face his father after accidentally chopping down a prized cherry tree. Here, a child as to face an emperor after failing to grow a flower from a seed given by the emperor... when everyone else had succeeded.
Rating:
Summary: Honesty is the best policy!
Review: My 4 year old daughter loves this book. She wanted me to read it immediately again after hearing it the first time. It is a great story about honesty and integrity.
Rating:
Summary: Delightful for the eyes as well as the mind. . .
Review: The artwork in this book is among the most exquisite I've ever seen in a children's book--or for that matter, in ANY book. Whatever the artist was paid, it wasn't enough! Everything--from the 50 or so little boys and girls to their flowers to the kimonos they wore for the presentation to the Emperor--was done in such minute detail, and no duplication in any of it. Each child had a personality and style all their own. Even if your child is a newborn or an infant, this book is worth getting just so the two of you can be dazzled by the visuals. And the story!--no matter what your religion, creed, or background, the message is timeless. Ping's family and friends all know what a green thumb he has, and you'd think he'd be a shoo-in for Emperor when the seeds are distributed. The flowers DO decide who the next Emperor is. . .but not in the way you might think. There are two very wise men who figure prominently in this story: the Emperor and Ping's father, who tells Ping, "your best is good enough to present to the Emperor." And the unspoken message there is, "I'm proud of you, son, and I believe in you." Three cheers for Ping!
Rating:
Summary: A Picture Book for All Ages
Review: The Emperor of China has grown old and must find a successor to his throne. Having no legal heirs, the Empereor must choose his successor from among his loyal subjects. This is a very important decision. Being very wise, the Emperor finds a unique way to pick just the right person. This is an excellent picture book with a wonderful, much needed moral for today's world. The intricate details in the illustrations add to the cultural interest of the book. While the conflict in this book is Man verses Nature, truth decides the ultimate victor. Ping's father's words, "Your best is good enough...," are words that many young people long to and need to hear. While it is a story designed for the young child, it is also an important message for young adults who need a refresher on the importance of truth.
Rating:
Summary: A Picture Book for All Ages
Review: The Emperor of China has grown old and must find a successor to his throne. Having no legal heirs, the Empereor must choose his successor from among his loyal subjects. This is a very important decision. Being very wise, the Emperor finds a unique way to pick just the right person. This is an excellent picture book with a wonderful, much needed moral for today's world. The intricate details in the illustrations add to the cultural interest of the book. While the conflict in this book is Man verses Nature, truth decides the ultimate victor. Ping's father's words, "Your best is good enough...," are words that many young people long to and need to hear. While it is a story designed for the young child, it is also an important message for young adults who need a refresher on the importance of truth.
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