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Two of Everything: A Chinese Folktale
Mr. Haktak digs up a curious brass pot in his garden and decides to carry his coin purse in it. When Mrs. Haktak's hairpin slips into the pot, she reaches in and pulls out two coin purses and two hairpins--this is a magic pot!
Book Hardcover Publication 1/1/1993 32 Reading Age 5 and Up
Book Hardcover Publication 1/1/1993 32 Reading Age 5 and Up
Library Binding
Published June 28, 2007
25 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Lily Toy Hong
11 books5 followersSeventh of nine children in her Chinese-American family, , Ms Hong always knew she wanted to write and illustrate children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
November 17, 2021
When Mr. Haktak digs up a brass pot and brings it home, hilarious things begin to happen for him and his wife when they realize that it is magical! Large, simple illustrations add cheerfulness to this tale!
A great folktale to share with children as well as an excellent math resource for introducing doubling!
A great folktale to share with children as well as an excellent math resource for introducing doubling!
July 18, 2012
After reading this book to my students, I will have them do an activity called Seeing Double. Students will be grouped with a partner. One student will roll one number cube. He/she will place the number rolled in the square on their Seeing Double activity sheet. Student will select that number of plastic chips and place them on the desk. Their partner will hold up the doubling machine (handheld mirror) behind the chips so that he/she can see the reflection. Student will count all of the chips (the real ones, plus the reflected ones) and write an addition equation on their activity sheet.
For instance, let’s say a student rolls a 4. Then they will place 4 chips on the desk. Their partner will place the mirror behind the chips so that the reflection of all 4 chips is visible. Then the student will count all 8 chips. Next, he/she will write an equation that represents this situation: 4 + 4 = 8.
For instance, let’s say a student rolls a 4. Then they will place 4 chips on the desk. Their partner will place the mirror behind the chips so that the reflection of all 4 chips is visible. Then the student will count all 8 chips. Next, he/she will write an equation that represents this situation: 4 + 4 = 8.
November 27, 2018
We thoroughly enjoyed this one!
March 18, 2011
Mr. and Mrs. Haktak lived a simple life until Mr. Haktak stumbles across a magical pot while working in the field. They discover that the pot can make two of everything! They take advantage of their new pot and get quite a surprise when Mrs. Haktak falls in one day.
November 9, 2021
A little bit more of a nonsense folktale. An elderly couple discover a brass pot in their garden which doubles everything placed inside it. They each fall in it as well, resulting in duplicates of themselves. Their duplicates get married, and essentially two sets of twins live next to each other with identical houses. Not a lot of moral or educational value, but not bad for a fun nonsense story.
#passportaroundtheworld #china
#passportaroundtheworld #china
November 23, 2021
I really love this book and how it focuses on a math concept while including diversity. It shares a funny story with very simple illustrations. This is a Chinese folklore that focuses on doubles. This would be a great introduction to doubling numbers in math. I would use this book in my classroom by first reading it aloud, then having them practice doubling numbers and things in class. It was a fun read.
July 19, 2023
We picked this up from our little free library kind of as a joke, but it was a surprisingly good read!
June 19, 2020
In this Chinese folktale, Mr. and Mrs. Haktak unearth a large brass pot in their garden. They are very poor and grow all of their own food. To their surprise, when an item falls into the pot, it doubles! They use the pot to make more food and money. All goes well—until Mrs. Haktak falls in! While there is a significant amount of text on each page, the illustrations follow closely along. The illustrations depict scenes in an ancient China setting with lively expressions in the round-faced characters and strong lines.
Connections to "big ideas" in math:
Algebra/Number Operations/Patterns: Sets can be changed by adding items (joining) or by taking some away (separating).
Ideas for teaching:
-What is the rule of the pot?
-If the Haktaks put X amount of [item] into the pot, how many of [item] would come out? Turn and talk to your partner, then we’ll share out.
-Extending: Can you create your own rule for a pot? Make a column of “Into the Pot” and “Out of the Pot.” When you are done, give to a partner and see if they can figure out your rule.
Considerations for use with dual-language learners (DLLs) or students with special needs: While the illustrations are beautiful, in a read-aloud, it might be hard for students—particularly DLLs or those with special needs—to make out quantities of items or identify what the object is (as the hairpins in the story look different from the hairpins they might be used to in their own homes). I might consider cut-out objects or bringing in real objects, such as pouches with coins to count, or perhaps using a projector to make the images on the page larger to more effectively model one-to-one correspondence by pointing to each object (two hairpins, two purses, 10 coins) as we read.
Connections to "big ideas" in math:
Algebra/Number Operations/Patterns: Sets can be changed by adding items (joining) or by taking some away (separating).
Ideas for teaching:
-What is the rule of the pot?
-If the Haktaks put X amount of [item] into the pot, how many of [item] would come out? Turn and talk to your partner, then we’ll share out.
-Extending: Can you create your own rule for a pot? Make a column of “Into the Pot” and “Out of the Pot.” When you are done, give to a partner and see if they can figure out your rule.
Considerations for use with dual-language learners (DLLs) or students with special needs: While the illustrations are beautiful, in a read-aloud, it might be hard for students—particularly DLLs or those with special needs—to make out quantities of items or identify what the object is (as the hairpins in the story look different from the hairpins they might be used to in their own homes). I might consider cut-out objects or bringing in real objects, such as pouches with coins to count, or perhaps using a projector to make the images on the page larger to more effectively model one-to-one correspondence by pointing to each object (two hairpins, two purses, 10 coins) as we read.
September 14, 2018
Summary
Mr. and Mrs. Haktak are couple that live a very simple life. One day Mr. Haktak is digging through his backyard and to his surprise digs up a brass pot. To their surprise they find out that the pot has magic powers. Anything they throw in is multiplied and comes out as double. It is then that both the Haktaks begin to throw in different items and start collecting an abundance of many different things. The pot is working in their favor, it is until the Haktaks find themselves falling into the pot and pulling out a clone of each of them. They then go on about their lives as twins living the exact same life.
Evaluation
This is book is a very easy read. I really engages the reader because of the magic aspect of it. The author is able to add a twist at the end when both of the characters accidentally fall into the pot and clone themselves. This part really has the reader asking a lot of questions as to what the effect of having a clone for each of the characters is going to be like.
Teaching Points
This is a book that I would use when teaching students about mathematical patterns. The story is based on the pattern of multiplying by 2. It would be the base for having students create their own patterns. I would read this as a read aloud and have students examine the pattern in the book. I would then tell the students to think about them having their own magical pot, however they have to create their own rule or pattern. This serves as an intro to teaching them about input and output tables and patterns.
Mr. and Mrs. Haktak are couple that live a very simple life. One day Mr. Haktak is digging through his backyard and to his surprise digs up a brass pot. To their surprise they find out that the pot has magic powers. Anything they throw in is multiplied and comes out as double. It is then that both the Haktaks begin to throw in different items and start collecting an abundance of many different things. The pot is working in their favor, it is until the Haktaks find themselves falling into the pot and pulling out a clone of each of them. They then go on about their lives as twins living the exact same life.
Evaluation
This is book is a very easy read. I really engages the reader because of the magic aspect of it. The author is able to add a twist at the end when both of the characters accidentally fall into the pot and clone themselves. This part really has the reader asking a lot of questions as to what the effect of having a clone for each of the characters is going to be like.
Teaching Points
This is a book that I would use when teaching students about mathematical patterns. The story is based on the pattern of multiplying by 2. It would be the base for having students create their own patterns. I would read this as a read aloud and have students examine the pattern in the book. I would then tell the students to think about them having their own magical pot, however they have to create their own rule or pattern. This serves as an intro to teaching them about input and output tables and patterns.
March 27, 2011
Cute story. Fun way to introduce input/output number patterns. Everything they put in the pot comes out doubled. Put in 5 coins, you get 10 out.
June 24, 2024
Soon as I saw the sweet faces of the couple depicted on the cover, I fell in like with this book. I think you fellow Goodreaders may enjoy it as much as I did.
Sometimes the loveliest things appear to happen by chance. When old Mr. Hatak discovers an old brass pot in his garden, he has no idea what it's good for. Soon he and his wife learn the secret.
Whatever you put in, you'll be able to pull out two versions -- the original and an extra.
ABOUT THIS SWEET COUPLE IN CHINA, LONG AGO...
They happen to be very poor. It is a treat for us readers to join them in the dawning recognition of what that magical pot can give them. I wish you could also see this book's illustrations by Lily Toy Hong. At least I can quote her beautiful words.
Mr. Haktak was so excited he jumped up and down.
"Let's put my winter coat inside the pot. If we are lucky again, the pot will make two coats, and then we will both stay warm."
So into the pot went one coat--and out came TWO coats.
They began to search the house and quickly put more things into the magical pot. "If only we had some meat," wished Mr. Haktak, "or fresh fruit, or one delicious sweet cake."
FIVE STARS, especially in appreciation of the unexpected plot twists.
Sometimes the loveliest things appear to happen by chance. When old Mr. Hatak discovers an old brass pot in his garden, he has no idea what it's good for. Soon he and his wife learn the secret.
Whatever you put in, you'll be able to pull out two versions -- the original and an extra.
ABOUT THIS SWEET COUPLE IN CHINA, LONG AGO...
They happen to be very poor. It is a treat for us readers to join them in the dawning recognition of what that magical pot can give them. I wish you could also see this book's illustrations by Lily Toy Hong. At least I can quote her beautiful words.
Mr. Haktak was so excited he jumped up and down.
"Let's put my winter coat inside the pot. If we are lucky again, the pot will make two coats, and then we will both stay warm."
So into the pot went one coat--and out came TWO coats.
They began to search the house and quickly put more things into the magical pot. "If only we had some meat," wished Mr. Haktak, "or fresh fruit, or one delicious sweet cake."
FIVE STARS, especially in appreciation of the unexpected plot twists.
November 3, 2023
I have a direct market edition, but it's cute all the same! This is an adaptation of a folktale about a magic brass pot that copies everything that is put into it... even ! I know that lots of folktales deal with the evils that come with greed, but this couple is lucky to appreciate just having enough to be content... even luckier that when .
I don't know if my spouse and I could handle it the same way. Of course, ... hmm!
Recommended for anyone who loves folktales!
I don't know if my spouse and I could handle it the same way. Of course, ... hmm!
Recommended for anyone who loves folktales!
September 21, 2018
Two of Everything has some great illustrations, depicting the old Chinese hills and people, but that's it. There is little to no issue driving the story. This farming couple get by just fine. They run into this magic pot that magically doubles anything you put into it. So what do they do with the pot? They use it to create their own wealth and make new friends (duplicates of themselves.) That's it. The end. Do they use this pot for good and teach the reader a valuable lesson? No. The just print their own money.
August 12, 2025
When an elderly poor farmer named Mr. Haktak finds a big brass pot in his field, he and his wife soon discover the pot can magically duplicate anything. They think their troubles are over. But are they?
A slightly cautionary tale that feels like a classic Chinese folktale. Ask little readers what they would double if they had the pot, and what they would NOT want doubled (something the Haktaks discover by accident…but it works out).
A slightly cautionary tale that feels like a classic Chinese folktale. Ask little readers what they would double if they had the pot, and what they would NOT want doubled (something the Haktaks discover by accident…but it works out).
October 1, 2017
When Mr. Haktak finds an old pot, he gives it to his wife to figure out what it is. She discovers that the pot creates two of everything, which they use to double their money. One day, Mrs. Haktak falls into the pot creating two of herself. Mr. Haktak falls into the same fate, and they live out their days with four Haktaks.
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March 21, 2019In this time-tested Chinese folktale, Mr. Haktak and his wife found a pot in their garden, and was amazed at the magic power of the pot, which doubles everything that falls into it. While it is desirable to have two of things they need and get out of poverty, the powerful pot could also bring them trouble.
September 7, 2019
Luisa: 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked it because they kept falling in when they didn't want to and it made another one of them. I liked that they became friends with their doubles.
Logan: 5 stars out of 5. I really liked it because the poor man was digging in his garden and he found a brass pot. He took it home and he put his purse in it with 5 coins. When his wife took it out there were two purses of money! Then they figured out they could put one thing in and get two out. They searched for things to put in the pot. I like it when the man went to town and when he came back his wife had fallen in the pot! Then he had two wives! The same thing happened to the man!
Logan: 5 stars out of 5. I really liked it because the poor man was digging in his garden and he found a brass pot. He took it home and he put his purse in it with 5 coins. When his wife took it out there were two purses of money! Then they figured out they could put one thing in and get two out. They searched for things to put in the pot. I like it when the man went to town and when he came back his wife had fallen in the pot! Then he had two wives! The same thing happened to the man!
May 28, 2020
Mr. Haktak uncovers a pot while he is digging in his garden, one that he has never seen before. When he brings it home, he and his wife discover that what they put into the pot comes out doubled. That’s great when its coins or a winter coat, but what happens when Mrs. Haktak accidentally falls into the pot?
A Chinese fairy tale.
A Chinese fairy tale.
December 1, 2020
This text is based of a Chinese folk tale. I like it because it has a cute message but is also a great way to introduce the idea of doubling in math. The man finds a large pot in his garden that doubles everything he puts into it. This could spark some good conversation about what students predict would come out of the pot if he added 5 coins or 10 coins etc.
December 4, 2017
Genre-Traditional fantasy
grades-1-5
This book is a fun read about a pot that starts out as a blessing but suddenly turns into a curse. This story would be really good for teaching students that not every thing is as good as you may think it is at first . I would recommend this book.
grades-1-5
This book is a fun read about a pot that starts out as a blessing but suddenly turns into a curse. This story would be really good for teaching students that not every thing is as good as you may think it is at first . I would recommend this book.
August 4, 2018
The story, a retelling of a Chinese folktale, is fun and funny. Gentle, soft illustrations frame the story beautifully. This is an excellent read aloud to include when you want a simple Chinese folktale to enhance teaching/learning about China.
October 2, 2019
This is a great book that is based off of a traditional Chinese folktale. An elderly man digs up a magical brass pot and whatever he puts in the pot comes out with a double! It was written by a Chinese author and showcases Chinese culture and characters.
February 10, 2021
A book I read as to my littles (6 and 8 years old at this time) as part of a homeschool unit on dynastic China - a Chinese folk tale about an elderly couple who find a bronze pot that makes a duplicate of anything that falls into it . . . or anyone! Fun . . .
April 22, 2021
Such a funny, enjoyable Chinese folktale, retold by Lily Toy Hong. Great for storytime and also a great STEM story, with lots of opportunities to talk about multiplication!
Themes: Poverty/Wealth, Chance, Doubles
Age range: Toddler-Elementary
Themes: Poverty/Wealth, Chance, Doubles
Age range: Toddler-Elementary
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June 4, 2021I really enjoyed this book! While there is a lot of text on the pages, the illustrations go hand in hand with the text so students can follow along easily. I think this book good serve as a good introduction to number patterns, everything that goes into the pot doubles.
April 10, 2024
At first I as a little confused that was going on but then I started liking the book a lot because of how there is a magical pot that creates two of something. How I would add this book to my class is by having a read aloud of this book.
December 8, 2017
A magic pot doubles everything put in it, even people!
September 18, 2017
This book would be great for a multiplication math lesson about doubling. The pictures were fun to look at and students would enjoy imagining what they would put in their own magic pot. Picture book
February 1, 2018
Hilarious little story.
February 3, 2018
Read this to 3rd grade classes as part of their math lesson teaching multiplication. It was a creative way to talk about math, blending language/lit/story with doing math.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews