A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2002

New York Public Library Children's Books: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

New England Book Show, Juvenile Category Winner

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winner

National Council of Teachers of English 2002 Notable Children's Books

The Emperor of China lives in the most marvelous palace in the world, made completely of porcelain, and his garden is full of the rarest flowers. Yet loveliest of all, say visitors to his realm, is the song of the nightingale in the forest by the sea.

The Emperor has never heard this nightingale, and even his courtiers, searching far and wide, cannot find her. It takes a gentle kitchen maid to draw the nightingale to court. The Emperor is enchanted by the bird’s sweet song — until he is given a bejewelled nightingale with a mechanical tune. Will the mighty ruler learn too late the value of what is simple and genuine?

Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved story was written in 1844. Graceful and alive to the tale’s rich humor, Stephen Mitchell’s retelling is paired with exquisite paintings by Bagram Ibatoulline. The result is a timeless edition of a treasured classic.