The Emperor's Old Clothes - Softcover

Lasky, Kathryn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0152163484 ISBN 13: 9780152163488

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers, 2002

Synopsis

Here is the story of Henry, a simple farmer who stumbles upon some extraordinary finery and a whole new attitude.

About this title

About the Author:

KATHRYN LASKY’s many books for young people have received such honors as the Parents’ Choice Award, the National Jewish Book Award, and a Newbery Honor citation. Ms. Lasky lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

DAVID CATROW is the illustrator of several notable children’s books, as well as a nationally syndicated editorial cartoonist. He lives in Springfield, Ohio.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 4-Henry is a simple farmer, content with his life among his farm animals. One day, on his way back from market, he is nearly run over by the emperor's carriage as it races by, leaving behind some strange items that turn out to be silk stockings. As Henry continues home, he discovers pieces of an elegant ensemble of clothing, which he can't resist trying on. Feeling grand, he decides to stop by the emperor's parade to see the ruler's much-vaunted new outfit, which, of course, turns out to be no outfit at all. Henry continues home where he finds that his new clothes are wholly unsuited to farm work, dresses in his old garb, and settles blissfully into his quiet life. Much of the tale is taken up with Henry's discovery of the articles of clothing and how foreign they seem to him. It is an amusing story well told, although it helps if children are familiar with the original tale. Catrow's loopy, lush watercolors capture the silly mood perfectly, and readers will marvel at how the bucolic Henry is transformed into an elegant gentleman of the court and back again. A good pick for any library.
Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0152163484
• ISBN 13: 9780152163488
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Catrow David