The story opens as an elderly and tired emperor announces that a child must be found to take over his throne. He announces a special contest where children above five years of age may participate. Each will be given an egg. After 30 days, the children are to return and show the emperor what they have found. The children are sure that there are creatures inside. Each hopes their creature will be the finest and thus win the emperor’s throne.

Young Ren carefully carries his egg home and names it Bao Bao. He treats it with great care and respect. The egg never leaves his side. He tucks it into bed. He seats the egg at the dinner table. He wonders what sort of creature will hatch. Papa repeats many times: ‘’Now, now, we’ll just have to wait and see.’

Soon, cousins visit showing off wide ranging colourful creatures discovered. There are boasts: one creature has eaten 10 roast ducks for breakfast while another can fly above the clouds. Bao Bao’s egg appears to be still sleeping. As time passes, many fascinating creatures hatch but Bao Bao’s egg does not. One double page illustration features a multitude of wonderous ‘hatched’ creatures – flying, swimming, walking, and cavorting, each splendidly decorated.

In an interview published in Good Reading magazine July 2025, creator Rae Tan was asked what she hoped readers would take from her book. She answered: ‘It is my hope that little readers will learn that heroism isn’t just about grand gestures or having superpowers. A true hero is also someone who is honest and brave enough to stand by their values even in the face of challenges and temptations. Quiet heroism is also often found in our everyday efforts – whether it is standing up for a friend or sharing your toys and snacks, these little actions speak of bravery and kindness!’

Emotion and devotion is palpable in this story. When Ren’s egg does not hatch, Dad comforts his disappointed son. His brothers try to cheer him up. Readers will feel saddened too and wish for Ren’s egg to hatch. Ren diligently cares for his egg and is shown increasingly distraught. His brothers offer advice. Bao Bao needs a thicker blanket, cuddles, and kisses. Papa suggests the unhatched egg needs ‘peace and quiet.’ The illustrations of the boys intently watching Bao Bao are a masterpiece of impatience and sadness as the egg remains intact.

Finally the month has passed. The boys gather at the palace, showcasing an incredible range of hatched creatures. Only Ren’s egg remains intact. The emperor asks for Ren’s egg, then calls for his jade chopsticks. On the Emperor’s third loud crack! against the egg there is a surprise. The emperor says ALL the eggs were simply boiled eggs that would never hatch! Only Ren had the courage and honesty to bring the intact egg back to the emperor. The emperor announces, ‘He alone has what it takes to rule my kingdom!’ The final illustrations shows the elderly emperor sitting alongside Ren, his young successor, now in regal attire.

The back jacket cover reveals the underlying story. ‘The Emperor’s Egg’ is a reimagining of an ancient folktale about ‘integrity, courage and patience.’

1. Compassion
2. Cultural Traditions
3. Empathy
4. Family
5. Hope
6. Kindness
7. Relationships
8. Resilience
9. Respect
10. Social Life