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Chinese Emperor's New Clothes

A clever retelling of a classic fairy tale

Ying Compestine author David Roberts illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Abrams

Published:26th Dec '17

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Chinese Emperor's New Clothes cover

In Chinese Emperor's New Clothes, a young emperor cleverly outsmarts his deceitful advisors with a magical clothing ruse that reveals their true natures.

In Chinese Emperor's New Clothes, award-winning author Ying Compestine reinterprets the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale with a delightful twist. The story follows the young Ming Da, who, at just nine years old, unexpectedly finds himself crowned as the emperor of China. Unfortunately, his youth and inexperience make him a target for his unscrupulous advisors, who exploit his naivety by pilfering his valuable resources, including rice, gold, and precious stones. Faced with betrayal, Ming Da devises a clever plan to reclaim his power and outwit those who seek to deceive him.

Ming Da enlists the help of his tailors to create a pair of “magical” garments that will reveal the true character of those who behold them. He declares that only the honest will be able to see the exquisite beauty of the clothes, while the dishonest will perceive nothing but burlap sacks. This ingenious strategy sets the stage for a captivating exploration of honesty and deception, as the emperor dons his burlap sack, prompting a series of comical and revealing interactions with his advisors.

As the tale unfolds, readers are taken on a journey filled with humor and insight, showcasing the importance of integrity. Chinese Emperor's New Clothes not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about truthfulness and the consequences of deceit, making it a timeless addition to the world of children's literature.

"A supremely stylish retelling of The Emperor’s New Clothes in which a boy ruler outwits his ministers to save his people. Inspired by the author growing up hungry during the Cultural Revolution." The Sunday Times Culture

"In Ying Chang Compestine's The Chinese Emperor's New Clothes, a resourceful boy emperor takes on his swindling advisers, causing them to parade in rice sacks as he wins back his wealth to feed and clothe the poor. This is an appealing twist on a well-loved tale, brought vividly to life by David Roberts's apple-cheeked, expressive illustrations." The Guardian

"Beautifully illustrated by David Roberts, this brings fresh light on an old tale." Parents in Touch

"The excellence of it's production and the ingenuity of the story's young hero both conspire and to give this picture book considerable child appeal." Carousel

  • Long-listed for UKLA Book Awards 2018 (UK)

ISBN: 9781419725425

Dimensions: 285mm x 234mm x 10mm

Weight: 430g

32 pages