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A tale of the song of the nightingale, and how it affected even the Emperor of China.
47 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
17 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Hans Christian Andersen
7,802 books3,535 followersHans Christian Andersen (often referred to in Scandinavia as H.C. Andersen) was a Danish author and poet. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen's popularity is not limited to children; his stories — called eventyr, or "fairy-tales" — express themes that transcend age and nationality.
Andersen's fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well. Some of his most famous fairy tales include "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", "The Nightingale", "The Emperor's New Clothes" and many more. His stories have inspired plays, ballets, and both live-action and animated films.
Andersen's fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well. Some of his most famous fairy tales include "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", "The Nightingale", "The Emperor's New Clothes" and many more. His stories have inspired plays, ballets, and both live-action and animated films.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 29, 2018
A book from my childhood that I have read many times over the years to my children and grandchildren. One of my favourite childhood stories.
October 30, 2025
Poignant (3.5⭐️)
“I love your heart better than I do your crown.”
This was a cute little story with a moral in it, though I think Hans Andersen struggled a bit with the idea he was aiming for — things felt somewhat conflicted by the end. The entire storyline read like scraps of different pieces stitched together: each part good on its own, but combined, they formed an odd and uneven mixture.
We have the real nightingale — a free, genuine creature whose song moved the hearts of the nation. Then came the artificial one, a lifeless imitation that eventually replaced the real bird. People got used to the fake, pre-programmed tunes until the mechanical bird broke down from overuse.
When the emperor fell ill and wished to hear the nightingale again, the fake one was useless — but the real bird returned, singing about the world outside and the truth his court had hidden from him. The emperor felt renewed, and they made a pact: the nightingale would visit and sing whenever it wished, sharing the truths no one else dared to tell.
This story can be seen in two lights: one, that we should cherish what’s real and authentic; and two, that it reflects a subtle political critique. The bird refused to echo false words or flatter lies, and so it was cast aside — replaced by something easier to control. Only when the illusion failed did truth regain its voice.
It’s an interesting message for a children’s story — maybe even confusing — because of how unevenly the ideas were glued together. It makes me wonder whether Andersen meant it as a simple fable or something deeper, like The Little Prince — a story that reveals new meanings the older you grow.
“I love your heart better than I do your crown.”
This was a cute little story with a moral in it, though I think Hans Andersen struggled a bit with the idea he was aiming for — things felt somewhat conflicted by the end. The entire storyline read like scraps of different pieces stitched together: each part good on its own, but combined, they formed an odd and uneven mixture.
We have the real nightingale — a free, genuine creature whose song moved the hearts of the nation. Then came the artificial one, a lifeless imitation that eventually replaced the real bird. People got used to the fake, pre-programmed tunes until the mechanical bird broke down from overuse.
When the emperor fell ill and wished to hear the nightingale again, the fake one was useless — but the real bird returned, singing about the world outside and the truth his court had hidden from him. The emperor felt renewed, and they made a pact: the nightingale would visit and sing whenever it wished, sharing the truths no one else dared to tell.
This story can be seen in two lights: one, that we should cherish what’s real and authentic; and two, that it reflects a subtle political critique. The bird refused to echo false words or flatter lies, and so it was cast aside — replaced by something easier to control. Only when the illusion failed did truth regain its voice.
It’s an interesting message for a children’s story — maybe even confusing — because of how unevenly the ideas were glued together. It makes me wonder whether Andersen meant it as a simple fable or something deeper, like The Little Prince — a story that reveals new meanings the older you grow.
August 13, 2025
هانس کریستین اندرسن جزو اولین نویسندههایی بود که کتابهاشو خوندم :"(
البته اولین بار مامانم برام کتابهاش رو میخوند و یه کتاب قطع جیبی از افسانههای پریان داشتیم که تنها کتابِ "غیربزرگسالانه" کتابخونهی قشنگمون بود. همیشه از کتابخونه بالا میرفتم و افسانههای پریان رو برمیداشتم و از همون بالا میپریدم پایین =))
با خوندن این کتاب انگار بخش زیادی از خاطراتم زنده شد :")
البته اولین بار مامانم برام کتابهاش رو میخوند و یه کتاب قطع جیبی از افسانههای پریان داشتیم که تنها کتابِ "غیربزرگسالانه" کتابخونهی قشنگمون بود. همیشه از کتابخونه بالا میرفتم و افسانههای پریان رو برمیداشتم و از همون بالا میپریدم پایین =))
با خوندن این کتاب انگار بخش زیادی از خاطراتم زنده شد :")
March 8, 2018
I enjoyed this fairy tale. I’d never read it before. I love how the nightingale comes back in the end and doesn’t want a reward for doing something it loves and brings joy to it
January 29, 2019
The Nightingale, illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkert.
Like The Little Mermaid , or The Ugly Duckling (with which it was originally published in 1843), The Nightingale is one of Hans Christian Andersen's original fairy-tales, relating the story of the Emperor of China, who learns to value natural beauty above mechanized dazzle. Discovering that foreign visitors consider the humble nightingale - whose song he has never heard - the greatest treasure of his kingdom, the Emperor demands a performance. Enchanted at first with the bird's beautiful song, he soon finds a new favorite in a jewel-encrusted copy of the nightingale, sent to him by the Emperor of Japan. Which is superior: the flesh-and-blood bird, whose songs are beautiful but irregular, or the beautiful machine, whose one song is always perfect?
Interpreted in a number of different ways over the years, The Nightingale has, for me, always been most meaningful as an exploration of the idea that many of the things truly worth having - beauty, authenticity, truth - are not the sort of things that can be caged and put on display. This picture-book retelling, with an immensely readable text - translated by actress Eva La Gallienne - and gorgeous watercolor artwork by Nancy Ekholm Burkert, who also illustrated Andersen's The Fir Tree , is one of my favorites! I would say that it's just about tied with Bagram Ibatoulline's version as the best one out there.
Like The Little Mermaid , or The Ugly Duckling (with which it was originally published in 1843), The Nightingale is one of Hans Christian Andersen's original fairy-tales, relating the story of the Emperor of China, who learns to value natural beauty above mechanized dazzle. Discovering that foreign visitors consider the humble nightingale - whose song he has never heard - the greatest treasure of his kingdom, the Emperor demands a performance. Enchanted at first with the bird's beautiful song, he soon finds a new favorite in a jewel-encrusted copy of the nightingale, sent to him by the Emperor of Japan. Which is superior: the flesh-and-blood bird, whose songs are beautiful but irregular, or the beautiful machine, whose one song is always perfect?
Interpreted in a number of different ways over the years, The Nightingale has, for me, always been most meaningful as an exploration of the idea that many of the things truly worth having - beauty, authenticity, truth - are not the sort of things that can be caged and put on display. This picture-book retelling, with an immensely readable text - translated by actress Eva La Gallienne - and gorgeous watercolor artwork by Nancy Ekholm Burkert, who also illustrated Andersen's The Fir Tree , is one of my favorites! I would say that it's just about tied with Bagram Ibatoulline's version as the best one out there.
September 27, 2020
Ja nüüd ma mäletan, miks mulle muinasjutud meeldisid. Miks muinasjutud vallutavad laste südameid.
Nii imekaunis lugu ilust, mida ei saa vangistada. Ilu, mis on vaba ja saabki eksiteerida vaid vabana. Kummalisel kombel on Andersen suutnud jäädvustada ka tänapäeva maailma sagedast nähtust, kus tehnoloogia üritab imiteerida kõike, aga võrreldes päris eluga, siis alati jääb miski puudu.
Nii imekaunis lugu ilust, mida ei saa vangistada. Ilu, mis on vaba ja saabki eksiteerida vaid vabana. Kummalisel kombel on Andersen suutnud jäädvustada ka tänapäeva maailma sagedast nähtust, kus tehnoloogia üritab imiteerida kõike, aga võrreldes päris eluga, siis alati jääb miski puudu.
January 4, 2025
داستان چهارم از همخوانی آثار هانس کریستین اندرسن
بله هنری که بتونه جان ببخشه باید از آزادی بیاد و نمیتونی چیز مصنوعی و غیر آزاد بسازی و توقع داشته باشی انتقال حس بده، هرچقدر هم تکنیکی و در اوج ظرافت باشه. شاید یه جورایی میخواسته بگه نویسنده ها رو مجبور نکنین چیزای خاصی بنویسن، هرچقدر نویسنده خوب باشه، وقتی تو نوشتن آزاد نباشه، داستانش تاثیری که باید رو نمیذاره.
دی ۱۴۰۳
بله هنری که بتونه جان ببخشه باید از آزادی بیاد و نمیتونی چیز مصنوعی و غیر آزاد بسازی و توقع داشته باشی انتقال حس بده، هرچقدر هم تکنیکی و در اوج ظرافت باشه. شاید یه جورایی میخواسته بگه نویسنده ها رو مجبور نکنین چیزای خاصی بنویسن، هرچقدر نویسنده خوب باشه، وقتی تو نوشتن آزاد نباشه، داستانش تاثیری که باید رو نمیذاره.
دی ۱۴۰۳
October 17, 2016
Wonderful story with a good moral for children about how all that glitters is not gold. I enjoy this much myself.
February 28, 2018
Have you ever thought how challenging it must be to match a drawing to a text? Take a look at Nancy Burkert's Nightingale if you want to see a master at work.Gorgeous!
September 9, 2022
How could someone come up with such bullshits?
November 14, 2024
"فإني أحب قلبك أكثر مما أحب تاجك"
حكاية جميلة عن العندليب الذي جعل دموع إمبراطور الصين تنحدر على خديه بتغريده العذب 🧡
8 November 2024
حكاية جميلة عن العندليب الذي جعل دموع إمبراطور الصين تنحدر على خديه بتغريده العذب 🧡
8 November 2024
January 29, 2019
The Nightingale, illustrated by Beni Montresor.
Italian artist Beni Montresor, who was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1965 for Beatrice Schenk de Regniers' May I Bring a Friend? , turns his attention to Hans Christian Andersen in this picture-book retelling of The Nightingale. The story of the Emperor of China, who discovers the beauty to be found in nature - as embodied by the humble brown nightingale - it has been retold many times and interpreted by many artists.
This version of the tale is translated and adapted by Alan Benjamin, whose narrative is competent, but rather stiff and unexciting. Montresor's illustrations, which remind me a bit of Friso Henstra's work, have a somewhat dated sensibility, and are not particularly appealing. Although ostensibly set in China, they sometimes felt very Western to me, which seems an odd criticism to level against artwork meant to accompany a European man's Chinese fantasy. Still, the story is set in China, and I would like the illustrations to convince me that that is where we are. Bagram Ibatoulline and Nancy Ekholm Burkert do a much better job in this respect, as do their respective translators, and I think most Andersen fans will gain more from looking at those editions, than from hunting down this out-of-print selection.
Italian artist Beni Montresor, who was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1965 for Beatrice Schenk de Regniers' May I Bring a Friend? , turns his attention to Hans Christian Andersen in this picture-book retelling of The Nightingale. The story of the Emperor of China, who discovers the beauty to be found in nature - as embodied by the humble brown nightingale - it has been retold many times and interpreted by many artists.
This version of the tale is translated and adapted by Alan Benjamin, whose narrative is competent, but rather stiff and unexciting. Montresor's illustrations, which remind me a bit of Friso Henstra's work, have a somewhat dated sensibility, and are not particularly appealing. Although ostensibly set in China, they sometimes felt very Western to me, which seems an odd criticism to level against artwork meant to accompany a European man's Chinese fantasy. Still, the story is set in China, and I would like the illustrations to convince me that that is where we are. Bagram Ibatoulline and Nancy Ekholm Burkert do a much better job in this respect, as do their respective translators, and I think most Andersen fans will gain more from looking at those editions, than from hunting down this out-of-print selection.
November 6, 2016
كانت القصة تسير بشكل جيد إلى أن جاء ذكر ملك الموت فأسماه شبح! وتم رسمه كأنه شيطان بذيل وقرون!! أعلم أن القصة مترجمة لكنها الآن بحروف عربية ومقدمة للطفل العربي وبالتالي يجب تنقيحها بما يتناسب مع دينه وثقافته، خاصة وأنهم لم ينوهوا في أي موضع أنها مترجمة
June 20, 2021
,,Mein Gott, wie ist das schön!''
April 18, 2023
“I have seen the tears in the Emperor’s eyes – can any reward be greater than that?”
January 25, 2019
The Nightingale, illustrated by Demi.
Demi fans will be pleased by this retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, which features her trademark artwork, with its rich palette and immensely detailed scenes. As always, there are many little whimsical touches, from the purple cow the courtiers at first mistake for the nightingale, to the young children who gambol about in many of the scenes. The setting of the story, in China, is ideally suited to Demi's work, which is heavily influenced by Asian artistic traditions. In fact, a detailed afterword gives more information on the creation of the paintings, done on Wu silk.
Unfortunately, although the artwork is lovely, and will be enjoyed by those who enjoy Demi's style (I do myself, although I find that a little goes a long way), the narrative leaves a little bit to be desired. It didn't flow as well as some other versions I have read, and I was dismayed to see that the scene in which the Emperor confronts death has been sanitized, leaving out the actual character of Death altogether. An adequate, but uninspiring narrative, when compared to the excellent versions of Stephen Mitchell or Eva Le Gallienne. Unless they are specifically looking for the Demi illustrations, I would advise readers to find one of these other editions.
Demi fans will be pleased by this retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, which features her trademark artwork, with its rich palette and immensely detailed scenes. As always, there are many little whimsical touches, from the purple cow the courtiers at first mistake for the nightingale, to the young children who gambol about in many of the scenes. The setting of the story, in China, is ideally suited to Demi's work, which is heavily influenced by Asian artistic traditions. In fact, a detailed afterword gives more information on the creation of the paintings, done on Wu silk.
Unfortunately, although the artwork is lovely, and will be enjoyed by those who enjoy Demi's style (I do myself, although I find that a little goes a long way), the narrative leaves a little bit to be desired. It didn't flow as well as some other versions I have read, and I was dismayed to see that the scene in which the Emperor confronts death has been sanitized, leaving out the actual character of Death altogether. An adequate, but uninspiring narrative, when compared to the excellent versions of Stephen Mitchell or Eva Le Gallienne. Unless they are specifically looking for the Demi illustrations, I would advise readers to find one of these other editions.
January 25, 2019
The Nightingale, illustrated by Mary J. Newill.
Originally published by D.B. Updike at the Merrymount Press in 1895, and then reprinted in this edition by R.H. Russell in 1898, this nineteenth-century retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Nightingale features the translation of H.W. Dulcken, and the gorgeous engraving-style illustrations of Mary J. Newill.
A student at the Birmingham School of Art, and a participant in the late nineteenth, and early twentieth-century Arts and Crafts Movement, Newill was a well-known illustrator, stained glass designer, and embroiderer. Her landscape work was considered particularly fine, and won praise from figures such as Walter Crane.
The five plates contained in The Nightingale are simply beautiful: detailed, bold, compelling. Judged on artwork alone, this outstanding little gem of a book merits a five-star rating. Unfortunately, Dulcken's stiff, archaic-sounding translation - so very Victorian in style - detracted somewhat from my enjoyment. Still, Newill's illustrations are the real appeal here, and they do not disappoint. If they ever do publish a retrospective of her work, I'll be first on line to buy it!
Originally published by D.B. Updike at the Merrymount Press in 1895, and then reprinted in this edition by R.H. Russell in 1898, this nineteenth-century retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Nightingale features the translation of H.W. Dulcken, and the gorgeous engraving-style illustrations of Mary J. Newill.
A student at the Birmingham School of Art, and a participant in the late nineteenth, and early twentieth-century Arts and Crafts Movement, Newill was a well-known illustrator, stained glass designer, and embroiderer. Her landscape work was considered particularly fine, and won praise from figures such as Walter Crane.
The five plates contained in The Nightingale are simply beautiful: detailed, bold, compelling. Judged on artwork alone, this outstanding little gem of a book merits a five-star rating. Unfortunately, Dulcken's stiff, archaic-sounding translation - so very Victorian in style - detracted somewhat from my enjoyment. Still, Newill's illustrations are the real appeal here, and they do not disappoint. If they ever do publish a retrospective of her work, I'll be first on line to buy it!
January 17, 2014
Amazing book and story; illustrations in this particular one are outstanding. A must read for any child :)
February 15, 2024
جميلة
الحرية هي كل شيء
الحرية هي كل شيء
July 14, 2024
FULL REVIEW ON MY WEBSITE
https://thebookcornerchronicles.com/2...
This one was really not for me. Maybe reading children stories as an adult isn’t the best thing to do for some people.
I personally found this story to be very boring and uninteresting. I really had hard time reading it because I just couldn’t get into the story.
The story is pretty quick read, but that’s the only good thing about this story for me personally.
The writing style in this one was very generic which every fairytale has.
https://thebookcornerchronicles.com/2...
This one was really not for me. Maybe reading children stories as an adult isn’t the best thing to do for some people.
I personally found this story to be very boring and uninteresting. I really had hard time reading it because I just couldn’t get into the story.
The story is pretty quick read, but that’s the only good thing about this story for me personally.
The writing style in this one was very generic which every fairytale has.
August 8, 2024
“The Nightingale” has truly captivated me. The story's exploration of natural beauty versus artificial beauty is profoundly relevant to our times. The way it contrasts the simple, authentic charm of the nightingale with the superficial allure of the mechanical bird resonates deeply. I can't stop thinking about the powerful message embedded in the tale. It’s a beautiful reminder of the value of genuine beauty in a world that often leans towards the artificial. The fairytale is not only enchanting but also incredibly thought-provoking, making it a memorable read that will stay with me for a long time. 🕊️
January 30, 2025
Technically I read this story out of Lang's The Yellow Fairy Book. I was unfamiliar with this one. It was a nice story!
August 28, 2019
This gorgeously illustrated children’s book presents an ancient pastoral China, one of soaring pagodas set firmly within nature in the form of lush gardens, plentiful trees and gently flowing streams. Whether in the kitchen or the imperial court, we also find animals. Within this sumptuous bucolic setting, the titular avian goes almost unnoticed. With her deceptively drab brown coloring, you can understand how almost everyone, including the Emperor of China, misses her completely.
The familiar story is one of royalty that is saved by one of its humblest citizens, a popular moral that dates back centuries (think Aesop’s “The Lion and the Mouse” fable) and prizing solid character over empty glitz, as symbolized by the gaudy, bejeweled toy nightingale sent by the Emperor of Japan. The illustrations are truly lovely, with color and action aptly displayed on every page (the plainly clad kitchen girl is shown laboring in the kitchens, surrounded by dishes, pots, kettles, hanging food, etc.; the royal clockmaker is surrounded by various timepieces as he works on the broken toy bird).
This book is a jeweled treasure, a wondrous addition to a child’s growing library, from one of the most famous storytellers who ever lived.
The familiar story is one of royalty that is saved by one of its humblest citizens, a popular moral that dates back centuries (think Aesop’s “The Lion and the Mouse” fable) and prizing solid character over empty glitz, as symbolized by the gaudy, bejeweled toy nightingale sent by the Emperor of Japan. The illustrations are truly lovely, with color and action aptly displayed on every page (the plainly clad kitchen girl is shown laboring in the kitchens, surrounded by dishes, pots, kettles, hanging food, etc.; the royal clockmaker is surrounded by various timepieces as he works on the broken toy bird).
This book is a jeweled treasure, a wondrous addition to a child’s growing library, from one of the most famous storytellers who ever lived.
March 15, 2018
I’m familiar with Hans Christian Andersen because of The Little Mermaid, and I remember reading his version and being incredibly bummed out. I imagine Andersen to be a live-action Eeyore, which is why I was surprised by how lively and beautiful The Nightingale is. There is a sad wistful to the story, but that is to be expected with Andersen.
The Nightingale is incredibly readable, especially for young children, but Andersen is still smart about the writing. It’s really tightly and cleverly written. I particularly enjoy how he points out how ridiculous the king and his court are without being mean about it. When the courtier is following the little girl, he has no sense of what a nightingale would sound like. I really like the entire arch of the story. Definitely a great short story by Andersen. I would love to see an illustrated version of this. I’m sure there’s great potential for beautiful artwork.
The Nightingale is incredibly readable, especially for young children, but Andersen is still smart about the writing. It’s really tightly and cleverly written. I particularly enjoy how he points out how ridiculous the king and his court are without being mean about it. When the courtier is following the little girl, he has no sense of what a nightingale would sound like. I really like the entire arch of the story. Definitely a great short story by Andersen. I would love to see an illustrated version of this. I’m sure there’s great potential for beautiful artwork.
July 30, 2018
Um pequeno achado durante o passeio pela Flipinha 2018.
As ilustrações desse livro são de uma fofura que já valem por si só!
Quando eu fazia teatro, na adolescência, fiz uma peça chamada "O Pequeno Imperador" também baseada neste mesmo conto. Que lembranças boas!
As ilustrações desse livro são de uma fofura que já valem por si só!
Quando eu fazia teatro, na adolescência, fiz uma peça chamada "O Pequeno Imperador" também baseada neste mesmo conto. Que lembranças boas!
February 24, 2021
Krótka, ale ciekawa baśń o cesarzu oraz słowiku. Cesarz zauroczył się w śpiewie ptaka i chciał mieć ten piękny śpiew na wyłączność. Jednak piękna nie da się zawłaszczyć i zawsze znajdzie ujście ze złotej klatki. Finału tej historii nie zdradzam - trzeba samemu sprawdzić.
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September 4, 2010ذكريات طفولة بريئة
May 8, 2013
اتكعبلت فيها وانا بلف فى الموقع :)
فكرتنى باوائل قرائاتى ومجموعة قصص الاطفال وقصص الانبياء للاطفال
هييييه ايام :D
فكرتنى باوائل قرائاتى ومجموعة قصص الاطفال وقصص الانبياء للاطفال
هييييه ايام :D
December 28, 2015
3.5 stars
September 1, 2017
Fantastisk! Det var ett nöje att läsa den.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews