Synopses & Reviews
"This exquisitely designed and illustrated retelling is a lush interpretation of Andersen's tale." — THE HORN BOOK
A National Council of Teachers of English
Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts
"Elaborate, harmonious watercolors pay homage to the flat style of Chinese brush paintings with iconic fidelity. . . . Mitchell's language is light and melodic." — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)
"Mitchell's version stays close to the original, with an added punch of satire. . . . Even if there are already several editions of the story on the shelf, consider this for its fresh, lively language and for Ibatoulline's stunning paintings." — BOOKLIST
Synopsis
Though the Emperor of China banishes the nightingale in preference of a jeweled mechanical imitation, the little bird remains faithful and returns years later when the emperor is near death and no one else can help him. Reprint.
Synopsis
Full of graceful and rich humor, this retelling of Andersen's classic fairy tale--of the Emperor of China who is enchanted by the song of a nightingale--is paired with impeccably researched, astonishingly beautiful paintings of acrylic, oil, and gouache.
About the Author
Stephen Mitchell is a widely renowned writer, translator, and anthologist. His thirty books for adults and children include translations of Jesus, Rilke, Genesis, and Job, and his version of the TAO TE CHING has sold more than half a million copies. Of this retelling of Hans Christian Andersens famous tale, he says, "THE NIGHTINGALE is one of the most charming stories ever written. I have tried to make my version light, clear, swift, and funny." This is Stephen Mitchells first book with Candlewick Press.
Bagram Ibatoulline (pronounced Ebattoo-LEEN) was born in Russia
and graduated from the State Academic Institute of Arts in Moscow. He is the illustrator of the acclaimed CROSSING, a picture book edition of a vintage poem by Philip Booth, and has worked in the fields of fine arts, graphic arts, mural design, and textile design. He says of THE NIGHTINGALE, "It has always been one of my favorite stories. While illustrating the book, I paid close attention to the tales delicate story line and tried to portray its nature."