The
Book
A
Grain of Rice
Helena
Clare Pittman
What
It’s About
In ancient China, a poor farmer,
Pong Lo, asks the Emperor for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Though the Emperor initially wants to
cut off the head of this bold peasant, his daughter, Chang Wu, after seeing how
bold and clever he is, convinces her father to spare the young man and put him
to work in the storeroom. Pong Lo
proves more than worthy of his station and soon rises up in rank and responsibility
in the palace. Then a crisis occurs
and it is Pong Lo who saves the day.
The Emperor,
though grateful, cannot give his daughter’s hand in marriage because Pong Lo is
still but a peasant. So Pong Lo
makes an unusual request that is both hilarious and instructive.
Why
I Picked This Book
If I were told there was one book I would have to read every day, I might pick this children’s book. A Grain of Rice has humor, pathos, romance, and a great hero. The author subtly praises the virtues
of hard work, a good attitude, and devotion to Purpose. This book has made me laugh and
cry. It has also inspired me to do
things well and to be industrious.
Since it’s a children’s book, it can be read in just a few minutes, but
the power of this book should not be underestimated because of its brevity or
its intended audience.
How This Can
Help You
This book is both amusing and
inspirational. Pong Lo is a man
with a Purpose. He is also a man
who is wise, humble, industrious, and knowledgeable. After reading this story, you may want to be like Pong Lo.
Quotes
from the Book
“Though (my blood) has to find its
way through 70,000 miles of veins,” answered the peasant quietly, “it never
fails to reach my heart.”
“The expression on (Pong Lo’s)
face was always pleasant and his step was light. As he worked he often hummed a merry tune which was so
delightful that the other servants couldn’t help but sing with him.”
