Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
As the name of the book and author might suggest the illustrations in this hard covered children’s picture book have an Asian focus. The story it contains is a reimagining of an ancient Chinese folk tale about integrity, courage and patience.
To choose his heir the ageing emperor, who has no children of his own, gives an egg to all the children in his kingdom. After thirty days he will judge what the children return to him and decide who will become his heir.
While all the children share their fantastic hatchlings with each other, one little boy is very sad because no matter how much love and care he gives his egg nothing hatches from it.
The surprise ending when the children present all their weird and wonderful creatures to the emperor is wonderful and is a lesson to us all.
The illustrations are colourful and appropriate to the text provided.
The author Rae Tan, who was born in Singapore but now lives in Perth, is also the illustrator. Her particular art style, which is mainly in pastels and watercolours, displays the Asian culture and highlights moods and emotions through her figures. 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.
Relatively new to writing and illustrating her own books, she combines life lessons for children as well as interesting illustrations.
This is a beautifully presented book with a very important message.
The Emperor’s Egg
(2025)
by Rae Tan
Lothian Children’s Books
ISBN:978-0-7344-2251-4
$24.99;36pp