The Emperor and the Nightingale's Riddle
A Twisted Fairy Tale by Robin Wickens

A magical tale of riddles, laughter, and the song that can't be caged...
In the shimmering palace of Bright Lanterns, the Emperor has everything: singing toys, enchanted shoes, even alphabetically sorted noodles. But he's missing one thing—true happiness.

When a mysterious melody floats from the Moonlit Forest, everyone dismisses it... except for Lin, the clever kitchen maid. She believes it's the song of the legendary Nightingale—a bird said to hold the answer to the greatest riddle in the land.

Desperate to capture it, the Emperor sends his court on a wild quest. Lin is swept up in an unforgettable journey with a bumbling royal inventor and a mischievous paper lantern sprite. Together, they brave enchanted gardens, giggling temples, and a choir of jealous mechanical songbirds—all to solve the Nightingale's three riddles of the heart.

But back at the palace, trouble brews. The Emperor, impatient for perfection, commissions a clockwork Nightingale that sings flawlessly... but drains the magic from the world around it.

Can Lin and her friends unlock the Nightingale's secret before joy disappears forever?

Why readers love this book:
Twisted fairy tale fun with a magical new twist

Filled with riddles, whimsy, and enchanted mischief

Uplifting themes of imperfection, courage, and kindness

Perfect for fans of The Tale of Despereaux and The Girl Who Drank the Moon

Ideal for ages 7–11 (and clever grown-ups too!)
Add a copy to your collection today—and let the Nightingale's song remind you that happiness is never something you can cage.