A Country Storybook: Emperor's New Clothes [Hardcover]

Vince Gill (Author), Pam Tillis (Author), Carol Newsome (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Country Storybook | Publication Date: October 13, 2003

Somewhere in Smalltown, USA, there lives a CEO with a penchant for fancy duds. When two hustlers offer to make him a new wardrobe of the finest denim, silk, and rhinestones, the CEO sends his president and vice president to check out the work in progress. Of course, they're too worried about contradicting their boss to tell him what they see-nothing! Vince Gill lends his vocal talent to the audio CD that includes the complete story and snippets of such favorite country songs as "Gone Country" and Ray Stevens' "The Streak."

Illustrated by Carol Newsom.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-When the Emperor goes "country," this classic story gets a new twist. Gill's retelling presents the Emperor as a CEO who doesn't "give a hoot about going out to parties, or to fancy restaurants, or even playing golf, except for the chance to show off his fancy duds. He had a different outfit for every hour of the day." Two swindlers take advantage of him, and, as most readers will know to expect, the Emperor shows up completely naked on his horse for the big parade. Although the songs on the accompanying CD may appeal to young country-music fans, the retelling lacks luster, and the bright, color cartoon illustrations are unremarkable. Hans Christian Andersen's tale is reduced here to a gimmick; the original and other, more engaging retellings are widely available, so most libraries can do without this one.
Nina Lindsay, Oakland Public Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Vince Gill's honors include being named Top Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year. His soulful brand of country music has earned him the title Songwriter of the Year from the Country Music Association more times than any other songwriter.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; First Edition edition (October 13, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525471529
• ISBN-13: 978-0525471523
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,235,419 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars ...sure to be a hoot..., December 1, 2009

By 

PW (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Froggy's Country Storybook presents The Emperor's New Clothes narrated by Vince Gill (Audio CD)

This is the original PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY review: "The fairy tale series with the clever country twist is back with this recording featuring narration by award-winning country performer Vince Gill. Snippets of well-known songs are interspersed throughout, giving the story some comic verve. In this update of Andersen's tale, the vain clothes horse of an emperor has adopted a new look -- "He's Gone Country," according to the refrain. He hires some swindlers/tailors (while background singers croon "We've got oceanfront property in Arizona") to stitch up the finest western wear with "Silver Threads and Golden Needles." And, of course, when the emperor shows off his new, invisible wardrobe, the band kicks into that gem of a novelty song, "The Streak." ("Here he comes./ There he goes./ And he ain't wearin' no clothes...") Gill's jovial tone is just right for this lighthearted rendition, sure to be a hoot for country music lovers and a treat for listeners not familiar with the genre. Ages 2-up. (Nov.)"