About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the frustration of a slow learning process or feels discouraged after making a significant mistake. It is an exquisite choice for children who need to see that true mastery is born from patience, hard labor, and the integrity to own one's failures. Set in 12th century Korea, the story follows Tree-ear, an orphan who accidentally breaks a master potter's work and must labor for months to pay his debt. Through his journey, the book explores themes of perseverance, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the profound bond between a mentor and an apprentice. It is a quiet, deeply moving story that validates the struggle of wanting to be great at something while being humble enough to start at the very bottom. Most parents find it perfect for ages 9 to 12, especially for children who appreciate historical settings and stories of underdog resilience.
