Tree-ear, an orphan, lives under a bridge in Ch'ulp'o, a potters' village famed for delicate celadon ware. He has become fascinated with the potter's craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday. When Min takes Tree-ear on as his helper, Tree-ear is elated-until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min's irascible temper, and his own ignorance. But Tree-ear is determined to prove himself-even if it means taking a long, solitary journey on foot to present Min's work in the hope of a royal commission-even if it means arriving at the royal court with nothing to show but a single celadon shard.--Publisher information.

920L,Lexile.

Accelerated Reader,MG,6.6,6.0.

Newbery Medal, 2002

Asian/Pacific American Literature Award Honor, 2001

American Library Association Notable book.

American Library Association-YA award book.

School Library Journal Best Book.