![]() ![]() NARRATOR: The customers proceeded to tell Mei that the emperor… the highest ruler in the land… was looking…ĬUSTOMER 3. MEI: No, I’m afraid I haven’t heard the news! I’ve been gardening all morning. MEI: Well, good morning, everyone! What brings you all here so bright and early?ĬUSTOMER 1: Oh, Mei! Haven’t you heard the news? But on this particular morning, as Mei flipped her “Closed” sign to “Open,” she noticed the line snaked around the entire market! It was as if every customer who usually visited throughout the day had shown up all at once! Mei’s flower stall always attracted a long line of customers. She even sang to her flowers! After that, she filled several baskets with blooms, and carried them to the marketplace. She ate her breakfast, then grabbed her rake, shovel and watering can and spent hours weeding, planting and watering her garden. One Monday morning, as she always did, Mei awoke at sunrise. It would take a lot of work, and a lot of time, but Mei knew she’d be happy… and the flowers would be happy, too. She loved the idea of nurturing those precious plants, and doing her best to help them reach their greatest potential. NARRATOR: Every time Grandmother asked this question, Mei felt deep in her heart that yes: she would be up to the task. The emperor must plant a million flowers a year! Do you think you’d be up to the task? But this garden is a thousand times bigger than our patch of earth behind the cottage. GRANDMOTHER: I’m sure it would be wonderful, Mei. (beat) If only I could care for a garden as grand as the emperor’s! MEI: Oh, Grandmother! Have you ever seen roses so ravishing? Or dahlias so dazzling? Not to mention those marvelous magnolias. Whenever Mei and her grandmother strolled through the royal garden, the young woman would gaze wistfully at the rows and rows of flowers… and sigh. Every Saturday and Sunday he opened his garden to the public, so his subjects could enjoy the vibrant colors and delicious scents of his fabulous flowers. Years ago, the emperor had planted a massive garden next to the palace. You see, the highest ruler in all the land was the emperor. When the work week was over, Mei and her grandmother would pack a picnic and visit another garden… at the royal palace. Then she’d gather flowers to sell from her stall at the marketplace. Monday through Friday, Mei would wake up with the sun, and spend hours tending her beloved garden. Fragrant lilacs, fluffy peonies, glistening tulips… she grew all those and more in a tiny garden behind the cozy cottage she shared with her grandmother. Her actual thumb wasn’t green, of course! No! Having a “green thumb” means having a talent, a gift, for making plants grow. NARRATOR: There once was a young woman named Mei. As time progressed, musicians began holding the instrument in a more upright position - as Eric Shimelonis did for this week’s Chinese folktale! Originally, to play the pipa you’d hold it horizontally across your body, like a guitar. Musical Spotlight: Pipa (Wikimedia Commons)ĭating back more than 2,000 years, the pipa - a wooden, pear-shaped, four-stringed lute - is one of the oldest and most popular Chinese musical instruments. After that, have them tell you what three qualities they’d want to see in the next leader! Think about what those qualities might be, then describe them to a family member or friend. What are the three most important qualities you’d look for in a successor? Imagine you are the emperor - or empress - and it’s time to choose someone to replace you. Our resident artist is Sabina Hahn and you can learn more about her HERE. We'd love to see it! To access all the coloring pages for past episodes click HERE. We’re also keeping an album so share your picture on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest, and tag it with #CircleRound. Our artist is Sabina Hahn.ĪDULTS! PRINT THIS so everyone can color while listening. Original music and sound design by Eric Shimelonis. ![]() ![]() This story was adapted for Circle Round by Rebecca Sheir. And kids, listen for Nikki’s voice on Star Wars Resistance on the Disney Channel, and Shimmer and Shine on Nickelodeon. ![]() Grown-ups also can see Nikki SooHoo on Paramount Network’s Heathers, as well as The Resident on FOX. And grown-ups: look for her on Marvel’s Iron Fist on Netflix. Check out Christine in the national tour of the hit Broadway musical, Come From Away. Voices in this episode include: Tracy Lynn Olivera, Maurice Emmanuel Parent, Jeff Song, Delores King Williams, Christine Toy Johnson and Nikki SooHoo. Our story is called “The Emperor's Challenge.” Versions of this tale originally come from China. In this story, we’ll hear about a wise, honest and fair leader who’s ready to step down-and the contest he holds to decide who will take his place! You can probably name a whole bunch more. When it comes to leaders - people who are in charge - we want them to have certain qualities. ![]()
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