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  includeThe Empty PotandKites: Magic Wishes that Fly Up  to the Sky. (Ages 4 to 8)--Emilie Coulter