I purchased The Empty Pot twenty-eight years ago, and it remains one of my favorite picture books. I discovered it in the children’s section of a local bookstore, read it there, and immediately bought my own hardcover copy. After that, I read it aloud to every class of children I taught. I also read it to Caroline years ago. When she recently saw it on my desk as I prepared this post, she didn’t remember it so I read it to her again. She liked it very much.

This is one of those picture books that stays with you. The story is beautifully told, the illustrations are memorable, and the lesson is one children are not likely to forget. If you have never read it before, I recommend experiencing it without too much advance explanation so the story can have its full impact.

Book Snapshot

• Author and Illustrator: Demi
• Ages: 4–8
• Themes: honesty, character, courage, humility, leadership, flowers, Chinese setting
• Best For: character education, discussion, art study, and meaningful read-aloud time

About the Book

The Empty Pot tells the story of an Emperor who must choose his successor and a boy named Ping who is given the chance to be considered. It is difficult to say much more without revealing the heart of the story, and this is really a book best read with fresh eyes.

What I can say is that Demi combines a compelling story with lovely illustrations and a powerful message about truthfulness and character. It is a beautiful picture book with a lasting moral lesson, which is one reason it has remained a favorite of mine for so many years.

Why This Book Works for Homeschooling

The Empty Pot is an excellent homeschool picture book because it invites conversation and learning in several different directions. It works especially well for:

• Character Study – discussing honesty, courage, and doing what is right even when it is difficult
• Geography – locating China and learning more about its place in Asia
• Science – planting seeds and observing how flowers grow
• Art – noticing Demi’s distinctive illustration style and trying similar techniques
• Bible – connecting the story’s message to biblical truth about honesty and integrity

Picture Book Activities

Use these simple ideas to turn your read-aloud into a picture book study. Choose one or two that fit your child best.

• Author Study & History: Demi wrote many books with a focus on history and culture. Learn more about her work and explore additional titles here: Demi on Amazon.
• Science: Plant flower seeds in a pot and keep a simple record of how long they take to germinate and bloom. This makes a natural hands-on connection to the story.
• Geography: Find China on this free blank printable map of Asia. Color the country, label a few important cities, and add neighboring countries if desired.
• Art: Talk about the illustration style in The Empty Pot. What colors, shapes, and design choices stand out? Then invite your child to create a picture inspired by the book’s style.
• Bible: Read and discuss Bible verses that connect with the message of honesty and integrity in The Empty Pot. You might talk about why truthfulness matters, even when it is costly.

Discussion Questions

1. What kind of character do you think makes a good leader?
2. Why can honesty be difficult sometimes?
3. What makes Ping memorable as a character?
4. What does this story teach us about doing what is right?

Final Recommendation

If you are looking for a picture book with beautiful illustrations and a lasting lesson about honesty and character, The Empty Pot is well worth adding to your family library. It is a timeless story that children and adults alike tend to remember long after they have finished it.