Customer Reviews

The Emperor's New clothes

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With an animated twist on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, this beautifully illustrated book offers a lesson in vanity and pride, couched in simple language, when an Emperor orders a new set of clothes from a pair of tailors, who, "for a bit more gold" will cast a spell that will make his clothes invisible to "all who dull or foolish be". The Emperor is more than willing to pay extra for such cleverness, delighted by the prospect of such unique clothing. Unfortunately, it is the Emperor who is deceived, prancing about his kingdom in nothing at all. The whimsical illustrations add personality to this rogue's gallery of weasels and servants, a variety of elegant tortoises and hares. Pages tinted in an old world gold lend a medieval patina that assumes all the splendor of any self-respecting fairy tale, the characters costumed in royal gowns, except, of course, the Emperor, who wanders about, unaware, in only his "birthday" suit: "As the procession set out, everyone stared and gawked, too frightened to say what they really thought". An intrepid frog declares "The Emperor's wearing nothing at all!"

Chronicle Books is an imprint much admired for its quality presentations and illustrations and The Emperor's New Clothes is no exception, the artwork exceptionally detailed and imaginative. This wonderful tale will engage any child with its much-loved parable, combined with the distinctive crackle-glaze art style of illustrator Alison Jay, a truly enchanting book. Luan Gaines/2005.

This book has snort-laugh funny illustrations. The teeth on the smiling emperor kill me every time.

Any book Mommy enjoys this much is sure to be a big hit with the little ones. The text is easy to read, with rhymes (which I love). Sometimes the meter is a little forced, but if you want sonnets, buy Shakespeare. And how about this great idea: some words are printed LARGE so you know to emphasize them when you read aloud. This way, Gramma reads them the same as Mommy. Good thinking.

And the teeth reflected in that mirror -- oh, that just slays me every time. What a hoot! Get this one.

We got this when our kid was 2 1/2 years old. He loves it. It is a great lesson for those who wish to teach their kids critical thinking. The illustrations are awesome.