The Nightingale The Emperor of China loves to listen to the nightingale's song. One day he receives a mechanical bird that can sing. He forgets about the nightingale. But what happens when the mechanical bird wears out and breaks? The famous and much-loved Danish author Hans Christian Andersen celebrated his 200 anniversary the year 2005. On this occasion we have published five of his best tales retold for children aged 3-9 years and with new illustrations: Tinderbox, The Little Match Girl, The Nightingale, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling. Hans Christian Andersen wrote The Nightingale in 1844.