The classic Andersen story of the rich Emperor who is entranced by the drab Nightingale's beautiful song is told with verve and elan by Fiona Waters, and illustrated in exquisite detail. The Bloomsbury Children's Classics Series: The Brave Sister, retold by Fiona Waters, illustrated by Danuta Mayer The Selfish Giant, retold by Fiona Waters, illustrated by Fabian Negrin The Emperor and the Nightingale, retold by Fiona Waters, illustrated by Paul Birkbeck Bisky Bats and Pussy Cats, animal nonsense poems by Edward Lear, illustrated by Matilda Harrison The Nonsense Verse of Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Lorna Hussey
This book is part of a book series called Bloomsbury Childrens Classics .
There are 32 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2000 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC .
Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish author and poet, most famous for his writing down of many timeless, classic fairy tales. He is Denmark's most famous author and his birthday is celebrated every year with a part called "Odin Story Day". Fiona Waters has worked in children's books for many years. She is an experienced writer of children's fiction and non-fiction.
This book contains the following story:
The Nightingale
An emperor prefers the tinkling of a bejeweled mechanical bird to the song of a real nightingale. The Emperor of China learns that one of the most beautiful things in his empire is the song of the nightingale. When he orders the nightingale brought to him, a kitchen maid (the only one who knows of its whereabouts) leads the court to a nearby forest where the bird is found. The nightingale agrees to appear at court. The Emperor is so delighted with the bird's song that he keeps the nightingale in captivity. When the Emperor is given a bejeweled mechanical bird he loses interest in the real nightingale, who returns to the forest. The mechanical bird eventually breaks down due to overuse. The Emperor is taken deathly ill a few years later. The real nightingale learns of the Emperor's condition and returns to the palace. God is so moved by the nightingale's song that he departs and the emperor recovers. The nightingale agrees to sing to the emperor for the rest of his days.
