A quiet test of integrity plays out in this retelling of a Chinese folktale. In search of an heir of good character, the emperor invites all the children to the palace, including Peng, who loves to garden. Each child is given a seed and instructed to plant and care for it for one year before returning to show the fruits of their labor. The gentle narration reveals Peng's anguish as he diligently cares for the seed only to have nothing sprout. The whimsical, softly textured illustrations exude warmth as Peng presents an empty pot to the emperor in contrast to the other children's thriving blooms. A smiling emperor reveals that he purposefully gave them seeds that would not sprout--Peng is the only child to prove honest and courageous. While the portrayal of now Emperor Peng is charming, there are a few curious artistic choices. Much of the clothing, especially of female-presenting characters, is more similar to traditional Japanese dress rather than the contrasting layers of period Chinese dress, and many hairstyles also seem to evoke Japanese styles--an unnecessary decision that inadvertently suggests Asian cultures are interchangeable. The illustrator's note states that the story is "set in an imaginary ancient Chinese world" and is a "uniquely personal interpretation that pays homage to the influence of Chinese art on me," but a faithful depiction set in a real China would have been a more respectful tribute. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A few cultural inaccuracies in the art detract from an otherwise appealing rendition. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

In this retelling of a Chinese folktale, an aging emperor in need of a worthy heir challenges the children of the capital city to plant a seed he gives them. Little Peng, who loves to garden, resolves to do his best, but days go by with no result, and when the time he's been allotted passes, Peng has nothing to show for his efforts. Though he's distraught by his failure to grow anything, especially upon encountering the other children's magnificent blooms, wise words from his parents urge him forward. With only an empty vase and the truth to present, Peng acts on his honor to face the emperor, who in turn reveals the challenge's true nature. Gentle narration from the Yuen-Killicks complements Proietti's dreamlike illustrations of "an imaginary ancient Chinese world"; an illustrator's note invites readers to "join me in appreciating the beauty and inspiration that Asian art provides." Ages 4--8. (Apr.)