Like Park’s Seesaw Girl (1999) and The Kite Fighters (2000, both Clarion), this book not only gives readers insight into an unfamiliar time and place, but it is also a great story. However, what truly stands out are the characters: the grumpy perfectionist, Min his kind wife wise Crane-man and most of all, Tree-ear, whose determination and lively intelligence result in good fortune. In addition it gives a full picture of the painstaking process needed to produce celadon pottery. Filled with wonderful characters, this historical fiction book. This quiet story is rich in the details of life in Korea during this period. Review: Set in 12th-century Korea, 10-year-old orphan Tree Ear admires the work of the potters until he accidentally destroys a piece and pays his debt through servitude, embarking on new relationships and new adventures. Do not assume your order is shipping from. Sent to the royal court to show the king’s emissary some new pottery, Tree-ear makes a long journey filled with disaster and learns what it means to have true courage. Important Note: Books ship from various warehouses and may receive multiple cartons to fill the complete order. When he drops a piece Min has made, Tree-ear begins to work for him to pay off his debt, but stays on after the debt is paid because he longs to learn to create beautiful pots himself. Because of his wanderings, Tree-ear is familiar with all of the potters in the village, but he is especially drawn to Min.

The orphan Tree-ear spends his days foraging for food for himself and Crane-man, a lame straw weaver who has cared for him for many years. In 12th-century Korea, the village of Ch’ulp’o is famous for its pottery. * Starred Review */ Gr 5-8 –In this tale of courage and devotion, a single shard from a celadon vase changes the life of a young boy and his master.

A single shard full book