SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2026 CBCA EARLY CHILDHOOD BOOK OF THE YEAR

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