Storytelling: The Emperor and the Seed

This is an old folk tale from China.
In this tale the Emperor is getting older, he never married and never had any children so doesn't have a natural heir to his empire. He has an idea to set a challenge for all of the children, the one who succeeds will become the new emperor.
He gathers the children together and sets the the task and a year later they return with their quarry- but the tale takes an unexpected twist.
Find out who completes the challenge and which child becomes Emperor of China!
Following this story consider these questions and activities:
1.Have you ever planted a seed? Some o fthe easiest to begin with are sunflower seeds. Get some pots, soil and a packet of sunflower seeds and grow a sunflower forest. Once they are established in their pots plant them in your garden or give them to your neighbours as gifts.
2.This story took a very unexpected twist! Do you enjoy stories with an eunexpected twist? Can you think of any others?
3. Did you know that some trees can be planted without seeds? There are some trees like Elder and Willow that will grow if you simply put one of their sticks into the ground, it has to be between November and March. Give it a try, you'll be amazed!