The Chinese Emperor's New Clothes

Author Ying Chang Compestine and illustrator David Roberts's picture book The Chinese Emperor's New Clothes reimagines Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale in a story set during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.

Ming Da is only nine years old when he becomes the emperor of China, and his three advisors take advantage of him by stealing his stores of rice, gold, and precious stones.

But Ming Da has a plan. With the help of his tailors, he comes up with a clever idea to outsmart his devious advisors: He asks his tailors to make "magical" new clothes for him. Anyone who is honest, the young emperor explains, will see the clothes' true splendor, but anyone who is dishonest will see only burlap sacks. The emperor dons a burlap sack, and the ministers can't help but fall for his cunning trick.

"Roberts has marvelous fun with the details of the Chinese court, rendering the robes, hats, and architectural flourishes of the palace with wit and style. The hero of the original tale was a child, too--but in this version he's the author of the plan and the focus of the action, and the story is the better for it." --Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 12/26/2017
Pages: 32
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 11.10h x 9.10w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9781419725425
Age: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.1
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 196720 / Chinese Emperor's New Clothes


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2017
Publishers Weekly 10/23/2017
School Library Journal 11/01/2017
Booklist 11/15/2017 pg. 57
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2019 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Ying ChangCompestine grew up in Communist China and now lives in Lafayette, California. She is a popular author of children's books, cookbooks, and novels.

David Roberts has illustrated many children's books, including bestsellers Ada Twist, Scientist; Rosie Revere, Engineer; and Iggy Peck, Architect.