The Emperor's New Clothes

A vain gorilla and a wily rat take over the roles in this clever retelling, sumptuously illustrated, of the well-known story of a emperor duped into thinking that his clothes are so glorious they cannot be seen by fools.

Grade 1-3-- This version of Andersen's classic tale of pride and folly has opulent illustrations, subtle characterization, and a decidedly sophisticated tone. Like Robert Byrd, in Riki Levinson's recent retelling (Dutton, 1991), Mendelson represents Andersen's characters as animals. His choices, from the gorilla emperor to the rat tailor, clearly reveal the inner nature of each character (generally in a nonflattering way). Mendelson's text varies somewhat from Levinson's, highlighting the foolishness of the emperor and his subjects and adding humorous touches such as the emperor's elaborate system of fashion espionage. Unlike both Levinson and Anne Rockwell (Crowell, 1982), Mendelson allows the emperor to recognize his own vanity and stupidity, implying that he may be able to learn from his mistakes. This interpretation is strengthened by the final picture that shows the regal gorilla lounging in blue jeans and a plain white t-shirt (although he still sports a bejeweled crown). Libraries with patrons who have a taste for sophisticated humor and elegant illustrations will want to consider this version, while others may find it appealing but unnecessary. --Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This fresh rendering of Andersen's oft-told tale wittily underlines the "unforgivably silly" nature of the duped emperor and his fawning court. Mendelson's ( Stupid Emilien ) spare text twinkles with a mischievous irony ("Once upon a time there was an emperor who was much loved. Mostly by himself"), echoed in the humorously resplendent artwork: the emperor, a gorilla, consults with a council of chameleons; weasel spies in dark glasses are everywhere; and veiled harem seals shimmy sweetly. Luxuriously swathed, the emperor awaits delivery of a "rich and rare" new ensemble from his tailor, a rat famous for fashions that "can only be seen by those of highest distinction." When the emperor parades forth clad in nothing but a girdle "there arose only a shocked silence"--until a child blurts out the obvious truth. Mendelson's telling is both fun and hard-hitting, and while some of his sophisticated satire may go unnoticed by young readers, they will warm to his animal characters, his bountiful palette and the ornate opulence of his artwork. The final scenes of the near naked gorilla are a delight. Ages 6-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.