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Exotic, beautiful, and instructive, this "mathematical folktale" by author-illustrator Demi emerged from her love of India. The narrative and the evocative illustrations combine to create a real sense of the culture and atmosphere of this romantic land.

It's the story of Rani, a clever girl who outsmarts a very selfish raja and saves her village. When offered a reward for a good deed, she asks only for one grain of rice, doubled each day for 30 days. Remember your math? That's lots of rice: enough to feed a village for a good long time--and to teach a greedy raja a lesson. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Beautiful Math, Eloquent Ethics
Demi sweeps us away with this story of a little girl whose quick thinking and knowlege of mathematics teaches a raja a lesson and saves her village.

This story touches on many levels, the first of which is the visual. A few of its glossy pages, each the quality of a fine color print, unfold to over two feet in length for the purpose of illustrating a mathematic principle that could never be explained as well only in words, no matter how many. It also serves up a well-told tale, set in India, that holds a child to the last. Finally, it offers lessons in generosity, keeping one's word, providing for the future, and helping the poor. "A Grain of Rice" is truly original, however, in the way that it brings all of these elements, particularly the mathematic and the humanitarian, together in one arrestingly beautiful book.

This would make a touching gift to anyone who enjoys Indian art and design or mathematics, regardless of age. It is also a perfect gift for a child as it is both aesthetically pleasing and educational--what parent could want more in a children's book?

My daughter loves this book!
We checked this book out from the library 3 years ago when she was five. That year it was at the top of her Christmas wish list. Now three years later it is still one her favorite books. This book has a positive moral about greed and courage. It features a smart, courageous and generous female character who uses math to out whit a greedy raja. It also shows children that sharing and kindness are rewards in themselves. Plus the math lesson is fun and educational. What more could a parent ask for? We could ask for fantastic Indian art illustrations which the book is filled with. So this book does have it all. A positive moral, a brave heroine, an educational math lesson and wonderful vibrant illustrations.

Wonderful Story!
Just wondering if anyone can give us all information on when this book will be available again. It is one of the best storys with the most beautiful pictures for young and old alike. It is a classic that will always be on top of my list!

A lovely book. But why is everybody WHITE?
This book has many strong points. It features a strong and clever female heroine. It makes mathematics fun. The sumptuous illustratations imitate the style of Classical Indian miniatures. But I have a major reservation: all the characters appear Caucasian, with very white skin and very rosy cheeks, even though the book is set in India, and the characters wear Indian clothing. We bought this book for our daughter, whom we adopted from India. I wish that she could see in this book a brave and resourceful heroine who is BROWN like her.

A great book for young kids!
When I was little, this was one of my favorite books. I loved the way the one grain of rice would turn into over ten billion! Every kid from 1st-4th grade will love this! Its fun to read and a great math lesson! Hope you enjoy this sweet book! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (17)

A exemplary book that teaches some important lessons.
The Empty Pot is set in China, with an aging Emperor who is faced with the problem of wisely selecting an appropriate successor. At first blush, what seems to be an absurdly foolish test to the reader, (whoever grows the best flower in a years time from one seed that the Emperor hands out, will succeed as heir) results in a test that was clearly judicious and enlightening. As the reader follows the hardship of one little boy named Ping, who persists in trying to make his seed sprout; the reader can't help but empathize with his struggle, embarrasment and ridicule. Ping possesses qualities that many of us need to refine, develop or even attain: perseverance, humility, courage and honesty. I like this book because reading it helps to teach these qualities and clearly illustrates the adage "Honesty is the best policy." A truism that has been ignored in these times. The reader discovers that Ping's weakness is really his strength, his failure is really his success and his problem is really the Emperor's solution.

Just had to add one more 5 star review!
For years, this book has always been in my mind. Finally I'm writing a review after holding it for over 3 years. In The Empty Pot, Demi tells a stunning story of a chinese boy whose gardening skills reveals the truth of the emperor's deceptive call for his successor. With a profound disappointment, the boy found courage to show his failure - the truth - to the emperor. At the end, the boy gets rewarded for his honesty. Demi's captivating story about honesty and courage punches you right in the heart. Her illustrations, with immense charasteristic portraits of chinese art, are fascinating. I pledge to keep this book in my collectibles. I wish every child, and adult alike, has a chance to read it!

Great moral about being honest
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.

A child can grasp this tale
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.

Honesty is the best policy!
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. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A resourceful boy triumphs over evil...
In this lively tale, a poor boy in China who longs to paint is given a magic paintbrush by a mysterious visitor. Suddenly the boy has the power to bring life to things that he paints. Liang uses this gift for good, until he must use his skill to outsmart an evil emperor who wants to use the magic brush for his own greedy purposes. The ending is a bit troublesome- not as completely fair and peaceful as we might like - but then, the tale is based on an old Chinese legend which, like Grimms' fairy tales, were probably a lot more scary than story books today. Still, the story is wonderful and exciting and the illustrations, though subtle, are lovely --delicate but colorful ink and watercolor drawings with lots of detail. ... Read more

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Celebrated children's-book illustrator Demi puts the Buddha's life story into words any child can enjoy. Even more, children will love the lush, meticulously painted scenes, rendered in traditional Asian fashion yet as light and whimsical asCalvin and Hobbes. (Ages 9 to 12.) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Moving, Great Book!
This book tells the story of Buddha so clearly and precisely that it taught me a lot that I previously didn't know or understand. I am hoping to share this book with my students during the Buddhist New Year in April. ... Read more

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Some originals of the earliest Chinese-Buddhist sutras still exist--printed in gold ink on deep indigo paper. To see one is to sink into it. Demi, devout Buddhist and illustrator of children's literature, recreates the stories in the form of a children's book with smooth writing and stunning brushwork. These moral tales, taken from Jataka literature of Buddhism, relate engaging incidents among humans and animals that highlight a valuable lesson, each complete with a final moral. Children are sure to fall in love with this masterful combination of art and moral education. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

This is a wonderful book
My five year old son loves listening to these stories. I have long been looking for books that help children understand moral values. This is my favorite Demi book.

Buddha Stories
An excellent book. Most of the stories have a theme of wonderful compassion and it is set out in such way that children are encouraged to think about what is really of value in life. We borrowed this book from the library many times.

Good collection but poor choice of colors for illustration.
This is an excellent collection of about 10 jataka tales of Buddha's past lifetime, in about one page per story. Younger children, however may not enjoy reading the book on their own because of the color illustration quality, i.e., light gold on black paper. ... Read more

Book Description

Once upon a time in Turkey there lived a funny, little wise man named Nasrettin Hoca. He wore a huge, white turban and a worn-out coat made of patches upon patches. Riding about on his little gray donkey, he liked to help whomever he could.

A friend to all, Nasrettin is a popular figure. But when he is suddenly ignored at a friend's banquet, he realizes it is his patchwork coat that is turning people away from him. He leaves the party and returns later, wearing a brand-new coat. Now Nasrettin is warmly welcomed. But instead of eating the delicious foods placed before him, he feeds them to his coat!

How Nasrettin Hoca teaches his friends a lesson about appearances is the heart of this hilarious and clever story. With good humor and luminous illustrations inspired by traditional Turkish paintings, Demi brings to life Turkey's most famous folk hero and imparts a timeless tale with a moral that will resonate with readers everywhere. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Great adaption of an ancient folktale
This story is rather simple, and yet it conveys a rather universal message that will touch adults as well as children. I not only reccomend it to those who want to expose children to stories from cultures other than their own, but also to anyone that appreciates great stories in general. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Small Pleasures are Best
I loved this old Chinese tale about a rich man with lots of coins, and a poor man with a happy attitude. It's great to use in multicultural classrooms. ... Read more

Book Description

Emperor Ping, the boy emperor known for his love of harmony, sets a challenge to the children of his kingdom: show him the greatest power in the world. "To know the greatest power in the world is to know the greatest peace," Emperor Ping announces. "Whoever knows this harmony will become the new prime minister."

The children get to work right away and have many bright ideas. The greatest power must be weapons! It must be beauty! It must be money!

But as a young girl named Sing reflects upon the challenge, she wonders how any of those things, which cannot last forever, could be the greatest power in the world. She is certain there is something even more powerful, and the source of this power will surprise and delight her.

A companion to Demi's stunning picture book The Empty Pot, The Greatest Power continues the story of Ping now that he has become an emperor. With striking artwork and a lovely, lyrical text, this next chapter in Emperor Ping's life is sure to enrapture young readers. ... Read more

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Hans Christian Andersen's beloved, wise, and humorous tale about theemperor who cares more about his appearance than about truthfulness is retoldhere by award-winning illustrator Demi. A weaver and tailor arrive at the palaceone day, promising to make the most beautiful, soft clothes the Emperor has everseen. Furthermore, these clothes are magic--only clever people can see them. Thesilly, vain Emperor is soon marching about almost buck-naked (except for somemagnificent royal boxer shorts and an undershirt). Will anyone risk being dubbeda fool, and call the Emperor's bluff?

This spectacular version of the story, set in ancient, provincial China, isminimal in text, but overflowing--literally--with exquisite artwork. Several ofthe pages fold out to 3- or 4-page spreads, lavishly decorated with metallicgold, deep, flat red, and delicate, pale green. Closer examination reveals somecomical touches--mainly in the expressions of the sly "magical" tailor andweaver, and the befuddled, blustering Emperor. The people of the province manageto maintain their composure for the most part, but it's clear they're ready toburst into laughter. This truly splendid rendering deserves a place in anyone'sfairy-tale collection. Demi's many other original and traditional picture booksinclude The Empty Pot andKites: Magic Wishes that Fly Upto the Sky. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good version, beautifully illustrated
As a mother of a 28-month-old, I often feel that children's fairy tales should only be read by adults because such stories tend to be filled with objectionable levels of text and illustrations reflecting sexist, heterosexist, racist, violent and outright scary themes. (Despite Bettleheim's views on the uses of enchantment for children, I don't always agree that such content is useful or even benign for contemporary young children given the realities of today's American culture and media.) In order to familiarize our son for an upcoming children's musical theater production of The Emperor's New Clothes, I have been searching for the least objectionable of such books. I found 2 other versions that were barely passable but this one, by Demi, is not just passable but actually good. The illustrations are classic Demi (i.e. stunningly beautiful), including some fold-out 3 and 4 page panoramas. The text is straightforward, appropriately simple and clear but not wordy. This combination of stunning pictures and clear text make it a great read-aloud for toddlers and pre-schoolers and a beautiful book for adults to enjoy. The story is well-told with all the key plot elements included but without offending social-political sensitivies. Though I recognize that monarchies were just as objectionable in ancient China as they were in the Western world, the Chinese setting did help to make the story more palatable for my pro-democracy mind and it is nice to have a setting with exposure to a different culture as the incidental backdrop instead of being the obvious focus. I would highly recommend this book even if you don't have a particular event requiring a version of this classic tale.

A Chinese-style version of the classic tale.
Demi retells Hans Christian Anderson's tale of "The Emperor's New Clothes" with Chinese-style illustrations. Always a pleasure, her artwork in this book- bold compositions with bright colors and lots of "gold leaf"- is similar to that in many of her other books, such as "Kites: Magic Wishes That Fly in the Sky." Her use of Chinese symbols and imagery here is not as relevant here as it is in her "Kites" book; it merely provides a new twist to an old tale. The book has several fold-out spreads, which kids enjoy, but these are not integral to the story as they are in her magnificent book, "One Grain of Rice: A Mathmatical Folktale." The ending of Demi's version of this fairy tale is not quite satisfactory: we do not see the emperor embarrassed by his situation. Instead he obstinatly marches on, seeming without shame or remorse. In short, "The Emperor's New Clothes" is not Demi's best or most original work, but it is an attractive new version of a favorite story. ... Read more

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"Blessed" by the god Dionysus with the ability to turn everything hetouches to gold, greedy and ignorant King Midas quickly learns that one must becareful what one wishes for. When his food and drink turn to gold, as well ashis servants and every other living thing in the palace, Midas is immediatelypenitent. "Why did I ever ask for such a stupid gift?" he cries, as histeardrops turn to gold.

This classic Greek myth may be familiar to many readers, but few will deny thatit has ever been presented so spectacularly. Award-winning artist Demi'spaintings are shot through with gold, against Mediterranean backdrops of seablue and purple. Each page of this gorgeous picture book is bordered with goldenpatterns, and a four-page fold-out depicts Midas transforming his many-columnedpalace into solid, immobilized gold. Here is a perfect introduction to Greekmythology for young readers who will be as mesmerized as Midas by the allure ofthe golden touch--Demi's in this case! (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Be Careful What You Wish For.....
"Long ago the ancient Greeks believed their gods were in the sky and the winds, the seas and the mountains-in everything. The people prayed to the gods for wisdom and power, knowledge and generosity, and moderation in all their ways. There reigned in Phrygia a king named Midas. He was weak and ignorant, miserly and greedy. And he didn't think he needed to pray to the gods at all..." So begins Demi's brief and rather inaccurate retelling of the King Midas myth. As always, this award winning artist's exquisite and elegant illustrations make this picture book stand out. Each page is filled with dazzling, vibrant, rich color and meticulous detail. Children will want to linger and explore each stunning page, and will be especially mesmerized by a creative and imaginative 4 page fold-out spread, as King Midas runs through his palace turning everything in his path to gold. Unfortunately the storytelling does not live up to the marvelous artwork. The uninspired text feels rushed and choppy, and lacks wit, drama and magic. Though a weak introduction to King Midas and Greek myths, the book is worth a look just for the captivating pictures. Hopefully it will whet the appetite, and send kids 5 and older out looking for more.

King Midas and the Golden Touch
This book is about a king that loves shiny, gold.He loved another thing too. He loved his sweet daughter. One day he walked outside and got his wish granted. He wished that everything that he touched would turn to gold. So,he got his wish and a problem started. My favorite part was when everything King Midas touched turned to gold. Read this book to find out what happened. I think others would like this book because of the suspense. ... Read more

Book Description

Muhammad
is
the messenger of Islam.

Born in Mecca in the year 570, Muhammad grew into a sensitive and thoughtful man who believed deeply in the worship of one true god.

In his fortieth year, Muhammad experienced a revelation from the angel Gabriel that he, Muhammad, was the messenger of God. Over the next twenty-three years, he received many such revelations, all of which were written down by scribes at the time of revelation to become the Koran, the sacred scripture of Islam, a religion that is practiced by nearly one-quarter of the world's population and holds as its most sacred tenet that there is no god but God.

Through a clear text and stunning illustrations based upon those of traditional Islamic expression, the award-winning artist Demi here introduces the remarkable life of the Prophet Muhammad for young readers. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Wonderful introduction to the life of Muhammad
This is a beautiful, brief biography of the life of Muhammad. Demi's illustrations are lovely and are a perfect complement to his life. Of course it does not cover every aspect of Muhammad's life, but it is respectful and Demi's selection of episodes in his life are accurate and not misleading at all. I highly recommend this book as an introduction to Muhammad and Islam.

An enlightening piece of work
Sensitive prose and detailed, beautiful illustrations in the style of Persian miniatures make this one of the best books for readers young (and old) seeking an introductory biographical sketch of the Prophet Muhammad and the story of the origins of Islam. What is most remarkable is that the author presents this story as it is widely understood within Islam-her sources and bookjacket endorsements are all Muslims-yet in a way that illuminates that understanding for non-Muslims. DD

A work of art
The illustrations in this book are amazing -- gold gilt and beautiful details. The text is easy to read and fluid and is the standard accepted scholarly biography of Muhammad's life. (This is not a revisionist religious studies discussion, after all, and she's not pushing any envelopes.)

Demi's tone is not reverent, but respectful and considerate. The review from School Library Journal above reveals more about the author's prejudices than this book's biases: she says that Muslims weren't supposed to be friends with Jews and Christians, but the Jews and Christians to whom the Qur'an refers were the ones persecuting the early Muslims in 7th century Arabia. The reviewer neglects to mention that the Qur'an also says that Muslims can MARRY Jews and Christians because of their elevated status in Islam (Jews and Christians are called "People of an Earlier Revelation").

Demi, on the other hand, has adopted a very appropriate tone for this book. In a children's book about Jesus or Moses or Krishna, I would want to see a respectful narrative tone, as well.

Highly recommended for both children and adults -- a lovely way to get to know something about the 2nd largest religion in the world.

Beautiful
This is a gorgeous book, with really beautiful illustrations and a respectful narrative that's been checked and proofread by academic historians on the subject. It's informative without being either for or against the subject matter. (In fact, the tone is a bit like a college classroom professor's, but of course much easier to understand!) Highly recommended. She's done books on other religous personages, too.

Highly recommended for all ages
Written and illustrated by award-winning children's book author Demi, Muhammad is a unique and superbly crafted picture book presentation of the religious and historical figure of Muhammad, the man who brought the scripture and faith of Islam to the world. In keeping with Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad and his family are not pictured directly; instead, a solid gold silhouette represents Muhammad in the various simple, expressive color illustrations. The text succinctly records Muhammad's life, faith, and his efforts to spread the word of God. Muhammad is highly recommended for all ages and would make an excellent acquisition choice for school and community libraries wanting reliable materials to explain Islam to young American readers. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

From his very first day of life, when he rises from his bath to pray to God, it is clear that Nicholas is a miraculous child with a spiritual destiny. As he grows he is deeply saddened by the sickness, suffering, and death that he witnesses every day. Looking to use his special gifts to affect change in the often desperate world around him, Nicholas dedicates his life to worshiping the Lord and helping those in need. Through his good works, Nicholas becomes the youngest man to ever become a bishop and the patron saint of seafarers, children, and prisoners. He performs more than twenty miracles, including bringing those wrongly killed back to life and going to people in need as an apparition, providing solace and inspiration.

In The Legend of Saint Nicholas, Demi describes pivotal events in the history and life of the saint, weaving a rich tapestry of luminous imagery into the story of his connection with Christmas and our modern-day Santa Claus. Demi's gilded artwork brings Nicholas to life in a way sure to mesmerize readers new to the story of this fascinating and important historical figure. ... Read more

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Author-illustrator Demi has created a simple, straightforward, andreverent biography of India's "great soul." So simple and factual, indeed, thatit might be a rather ordinary book, except for Demi's memorable,color-saturated, very Indian illustrations. We follow Gandhi from his hard,lonely education and apprenticeship in England and South Africa through thenationwide strike he led after the Amritsar massacre, to Independence and hiseventual assassination. No major milestone in his life is left out, and each isdealt with in a short paragraph (typically 50 words), on its own page withaccompanying illustration; 8 or 9 of these may want more substance. In between,however, this is an excellent introduction to the subcontinent's most famousson. (Ages 5 to 10) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

a perfect book for this saber rattling period
This book is both beautifully written and illustrated. The Dalai Lama's message that love, not war, is the answer to the world's problems is presented quite well. Children will enjoy recognizing that this great man once was a child like them.

Highly spiritual book with a eye on human rights.
This book will be shared with my students. They have often endured many hardships in their lives and would enjoy hearing others' stories. The Dalai Lama is a very important person in the world and can not be ignored.

Complex story told clearly and with beautiful illustrations
Demi tells a potentially complicated story with clarity and simplicity. The illustrations are beautiful and evocative of the magical land in which the story is set. Where the takeover by Chinese Communist forces is concerned, you may need to fill your child in on some of the political background. Otherwise, the book is very accessible. ... Read more