The Emperor's New Clothes: A Tale Set in China

Hans Christian Andersen's beloved, wise, and humorous tale about the emperor who cares more about his appearance than about truthfulness is retold here by award-winning illustrator Demi. A weaver and tailor arrive at the palace one day, promising to make the most beautiful, soft clothes the Emperor has ever seen. Furthermore, these clothes are magic--only clever people can see them. The silly, vain Emperor is soon marching about almost buck-naked (except for some magnificent royal boxer shorts and an undershirt). Will anyone risk being dubbed a fool, and call the Emperor's bluff?

This spectacular version of the story, set in ancient, provincial China, is minimal in text, but overflowing--literally--with exquisite artwork. Several of the pages fold out to 3- or 4-page spreads, lavishly decorated with metallic gold, deep, flat red, and delicate, pale green. Closer examination reveals some comical touches--mainly in the expressions of the sly "magical" tailor and weaver, and the befuddled, blustering Emperor. The people of the province manage to maintain their composure for the most part, but it's clear they're ready to burst into laughter. This truly splendid rendering deserves a place in anyone's fairy-tale collection. Demi's many other original and traditional picture books include The Empty Pot and Kites: Magic Wishes that Fly Up to the Sky. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter