Tree-ear is used to surviving on his own in the Korean potters’ village where he lives. He is happy living under the bridge, surviving on whatever scraps of food he and his friend Crane-Man can scrounge up. But Tree-ear has a dream to one day become a potter himself. This dream seems unlikely to come true since Tree-ear is an orphan and only the sons of potters can become potters themselves. To satisfy his desire to learn about making pots, Tree-ear spies on Min, an expert potter, whenever he has a spare moment.Tree-ear knows the potter’s routine and always hides in the trees when it is time for Min to throw a new piece of pottery. When Tree-Ear accidentally destroys one of Min's pieces while spying on him, he agrees to repay Min by running his errands and helping with his art. Tree-Ear is excited about his new "job" until he begins to realize that Min has no plans to allow Tree-Ear the opportunity to throw his own pot.
This Newbery Award winning book is a sweet story that exemplifies the value of determination and patience. Tree-Ear is a character with big dreams, outstanding courage, and the drive to make them come true. His relationships with Crane-Man, Min, and Min's wife highlight Tree-Ear's gentle and kind nature, his eagerness to please, and his deep passion for pottery. Set in a place and time for which I was unfamiliar, this book brought to light a time and a way of life that was unfamiliar to me. This is a wonderful story to share with your children, at home and at school.
