The Emperor's New Clothes

The Emperor's New Clothes is a children's fairy tale from Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.

Fast Facts

1. Author: Hans Christian Andersen
2. Genre: Children's Fairy Tale
3. Published: 1837
4. Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
5. ISBN 9780618344208
6. Ages: 5 to 8 years
7. Pages: 48
8. Themes: Scandal, Vanity, Lies, Pride
9. Adaptations: Movie 2001, Play in 1996

Synopsis

The Emperor's New Clothes is a story about a vain king who loves to strut and show off his wardrobe until he is swindled by two men who promise they can make him the finest suit of clothes in all the world. When they show him the thread, he sees nothing. Not wanting to look the fool, he allows them to make him a suit from this nothing thread. All of his court goes along with it until, while parading through town to show off his fine new suit, a child announces that the Emperor is in fact naked!

Critical Reception

• "What a lovely joke for children to enjoy! Hans Christian Anderson's timeless wit is brought to life with arrogant style. The impressive choice of language is supported perfectly by the vibrant, intricately detailed pictures." -Children's Literature

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