Emperor's Egg

Regular price €19.99
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A01=Rae Tan
Asian folktales
Author_Rae Tan
Category=YBC
Category=YFHH
children's books about bravery and courage
children's books about brothers
children’s books about bravery and courage
children’s books about brothers
Chinese fables for children
diverse picture books for children
eq_activity-picture-books
eq_bestseller
eq_childrens
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_teenage-young-adult
fantastical creatures
fathers and sons
gentle lessons for kids
imaginary animals
Imperial China
magical creatures
teaching children about patience

Product details

  • ISBN 9780734422514
  • Weight: 400g
  • Dimensions: 274 x 244mm
  • Publication Date: 25 Jun 2025
  • Publisher: Hachette Australia
  • Publication City/Country: AU
  • Product Form: Hardback
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A CBCA NOTABLE EARLY CHILDHOOD BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026

A wondrous and richly illustrated reimagining of an ancient Chinese folktale about integrity, courage and patience from the creator of Pancakes for Plum.


'I wonder what kind of creature will hatch,' Ren says.
'A tiger with wings!' Pei says.
'A dragon with gold teeth!' Ping says.
'Now, now,' Papa says. 'We'll just have to wait and see.'

Looking for a worthy successor to his throne, an ageing emperor gives all the children in his kingdom an egg. After thirty days, he will judge what each child delivers to him and choose his heir.

Ren brings his egg home and takes the best care of it. He reads to it, sings to it, sleeps with it and keeps it warm. Ren waits and waits, but his egg never hatches, while all around him wondrous hatchlings are emerging from other children's eggs.

In a hall full of magical creatures, how can Ren present his unhatched egg to the emperor?

'Tan's illustrations enhance the timeless quality of the tale, evoking the warmth and magic of a story remembered from childhood' GOOD READING MAGAZINE

Praise for Pancakes for Plum:

'Warm, vibrant . . . A charming story about discovering what we love and following our hearts to find things that make us happy' BOOKS+PUBLISHING

Rae Tan was born in Singapore and now lives in Perth with her husband. She holds a BA in international politics from King's College London, and performance diplomas for both the piano and violin from Trinity College London. Currently, she is a music teacher working with young children. She is passionate about creating beloved characters and imaginative stories. Working mainly in pastels and watercolour, Rae's illustrative style is bold and loose, yet meticulous when it comes to expressing moods and emotions.

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