The Emperor and the Nightingale: Read It Yourself - Level 4 Fluent Reader
Read It Yourself Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A classic tale that tells the story of an emperor who becomes entranced by the beautiful song of a nightingale. The nightingale's music brings joy to the emperor's heart, but when a mechanical bird is introduced, the emperor is momentarily swayed by its glittering beauty and predictable songs. However, he soon realizes the true value of the nightingale's natural and unique melodies when faced with mortality and the bird's music brings healing and comfort. Based on the well-loved fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, set in ancient China. When the emperor finds a little nightingale in the forest, he loves her beautiful song and they become friends. But what will he learn when he replaces her with a clockwork alternative? The Emperor and the Nightingale is from Fluent Reader Level 4 and is ideal for more fluent readers aged from 7+ who are starting to read independently. Each book has been carefully checked by educational and subject consultants and includes comprehension puzzles, book band information, and tips for helping children with their reading. With five levels to take children from first phonics to fluent reading and a wide range of different stories and topics for every interest, Read It Yourself helps children build their confidence and begin reading for pleasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Emperor
The Kitchen Maid
Nightingale
The Mechanical Nightingale
Discussion points
What do you think made the Emperor prefer the mechanical bird over the real nightingale initially?
How did the nightingale’s song make the Emperor feel? Can music or sounds make you feel different emotions?
Why do you think the nightingale returned to help the Emperor even after being replaced?
What does this story teach us about appreciating natural beauty and things that are real?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and express their thoughts. Show interest in their responses with follow-up questions or comments that probe deeper into their understanding. Highlight the moral of the story by relating it to everyday situations your child might encounter, emphasizing the value of authenticity and appreciation for nature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of authenticity
Explanation: In 'The Emperor and the Nightingale', the genuine nightingale's song is preferred over the mechanical bird's artificial tunes, teaching the value of authenticity over superficiality.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and remain true to their own unique qualities and talents, rather than conforming to what is popular or trendy.
Example Lesson: Appreciating nature’s beauty
Explanation: The emperor learns to treasure the natural beauty and song of the real nightingale as opposed to the man-made objects, underscoring the importance of valuing nature.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and cherish the natural world around them, promoting environmental mindfulness and the enjoyment of simple, organic pleasures.
Example Lesson: Humility and gratitude
Explanation: The story showcases the emperor’s realization of his mistakes and his subsequent gratitude towards the nightingale for its song, which teaches the importance of humility and being thankful.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to acknowledge their faults and show gratitude towards others’ contributions and kindness, aiding in developing respectful and humble interpersonal relationships.