Over 200,000 copies sold! Now with a newly refreshed design, this classic mathematical folktale tells the story of a clever farmer who outwits the Emperor of China and becomes the wealthiest man in the world--all starting with one grain of rice. When a humble farmer named Pong Lo asks for the hand of the Emperor's beautiful daughter, the Emperor is enraged. Whoever heard of a peasant marrying a pr ...

Sparse text and contained drawings visually represent how truth, unadorned, lacks pretense but is firmly held by integrity. Ping's confusion while experiencing failure at something at which he normally excelled is an important part of this tale's lesson; he chose persistence over deception which proved the noblest decision.

Based on the Sparrow War of China in 1958, this tale contrasts a girl's gentle, compassionate spirit with frustrated, shortsighted action instigated by China's leadership. The consequence of each path is shown beautifully, highlighting the wisdom of measured forethought and wise thinking.