What would you do if you had to show up with nothing but the truth, but the truth was actually all that you needed?
In this episode, we travel all the way to ancient China for a folktale called The Empty Pot. It's the story of a boy named Ling who loves plants and gardens, and who is given a very special seed by the emperor himself. Ling waters it, tends it, sings to it, and moves it to a bigger pot...but nothing grows, not even a sprout. When the emperor asks all the children of the kingdom to return with what they've grown, Ling has to decide: does he show up with the truth, or does he try to fake it? What he discovers at the palace is a surprise that will make your heart do a little leap.
This episode is packed with four drawing prompts, music interludes, and a story that will have your little artists thinking big thoughts about honesty and bravery.
Themes in this episode: honesty, bravery, integrity, gardening, nature, doing your best
Great for ages: 4–10 (and the grown-ups who love listening along!)
🎨 What You'll Need to Draw Along
- 4 pieces of drawing paper
- Your favorite drawing materials (crayons, colored pencils, markers — anything that brings the pizzazz!)
✏️ Drawing Prompts in This Episode
Drawing Prompt #1 — The Emperor's Grand Gardens
Drawing Prompt #2 — Two Flower Pots
Drawing Prompt #3 — A Pattern of Palace Flowers
Drawing Prompt #4 — Ling Becomes Emperor
🔗 Links & Resources
- 🐌 Join the Fairy Snail Art Cart Club — Become a supporting member and unlock bonus episodes PLUS a monthly envelope of art projects, stickers, stationery, and more delivered right to your door! → CLICK HERE
- 🖍️ Free Coloring Page — Download the free coloring page that goes along with this episode at our website → CLICK HERE
- 🎧 Loved this episode? Try next: The Perfect Pot — another folktale featuring a very wise old clay pot, mentioned at the end of the episode!
💬 About the Show
The Fairy Tale Art Cart is a draw along podcast for kids where you become the illustrator of the stories you hear. Host Rachael Harrington- art teacher turned globe-trotting professional storyteller- guides young artists through folktales from around the world, pausing the story for drawing prompts and music so kids can bring each scene to life on paper.
Perfect for screen-free afternoons, car rides, rainy days, and bedtime wind-downs. All you need is paper, something to color with, and a wide-open imagination.
New episodes drop regularly. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review to help more families discover the magic of draw-along storytelling!
