The Emperor's Old Clothes

by Kathryn Lasky, David Catrow (Illustrator)

Here is the untold story of Henry, a simple farmer who stumbles upon some extraordinary finery and a whole new attitude. Who would have guessed that a change of attire would bring out his truly regal nature? Yet Henry’s transformation may cause trouble in the barnyard. . . . Kathryn Lasky and David Catrow weave a new wrinkle into an old tale--with royally hilarious results!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Animals, Fairy Tales

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1999

About the author

Kathryn Lasky, also known as Kathryn Lasky Knight and E. L. Swann, is an award-winning American author of over one hundred books for children and adults. Best known for the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, her work has been translated into 19 languages and includes historical fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple farmer on his way to town discovers some fine clothes which he wastes no time trying on.

Meanwhile, in town . . . well, you probably know what happens there when a certain royal has a parade to show off his new duds.

This was cute enough, though the ending was a bit predictable. And, I really wasn't overly fond of David Catrow's technicolor artwork.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unusual twist on the familiar tale...so what did happen to the Emperor's old clothes? In this story, a farmer named Henry finds them to the delight of all. The silly clothes, very much ill-suited for farm work, are illustrated in vibrant colors and unusual designs. They make a fun tale that is sure to entertain children and the adults reading with them.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry is a simple farmer blessed with everything he needs to live. One day, walking home, he discovers, one piece at at time, a new and fancy wardrobe: stockings, shoes, pantaloons, doublet and a wig. He goes back to town where the emperor is parading through town naked.

Fabulously funny illustrations by David Catrow.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know what happened to the Emperor and his new clothes. But what about Henry and the Emperor's old clothes. A hilarious story about how clothes really do NOT make the man and being yourself is always the best idea.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just okay. I liked the message behind being true to yourself and how someone else’s clothes might not fit you the same way, etc but it was a little childish for my taste. Not a bad book by one of my favorite author, just one I’m definitely too old for

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry, a farmer, was very happy with his animals on his farm. One day, on his way home from the market, he found some elegant clothes thrown onto the ground. He put them on and went to the emperor's birthday parade where he saw an embarrassing sight. Once Harry got back to his farm he suffered his own embarrassment. This is a richly illustrated and entertaining story that is a funny twist on the story of The Emperor's New Clothes.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

An explanation of just what happened to the emperor's clothes.
Too wordy.

[Allyson Montgomery · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was definitely an interesting story- not sure I would use it in a classroom, if for no other reason than the emperor actually being naked... definitely not for everyone's taste!

[Brystal Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and funny story with great illustrations!

[✰abby✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

an amazing book on how to not change and to always be yourself

[Mary-Kate Ganssle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Emperor’s Old Clothes
Author: Kathryn Lasky
Illustrator: David Catrow
Date of Publication: 1999
Genre: Fiction

Summary:
This story is a hilarious spin off of the well-known book, “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. The main character, a farmer, stumbles upon several pieces of fancy clothing on his walk home from the market. As he finds this new attire, his attitude also begins to be altered fitting the royal persona be now resembles, taking on a more regal nature. He wears the outfit to visit the village for the Emperor's parade of new clothes. He, along with the other townspeople, is very confused as to why the emperor is marching with no clothes on, but does not register that he is wearing those clothes. When he finds his way back to the barnyard, the farmer quickly realizes that the fancy new clothes are making his life more difficult. He and the animals share a laugh about it before he changes into clothes more fit for a farmer.

Evaluation:
This book is very comical and seems it would be great for a read aloud with younger kids. If children already have experience with “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, this would be an excellent follow up to read. The illustrations are great and definitely support the text on the page. The one page with the emperor walking through the parade nude took my by surprise, though. I think a few more feathers would not have hurt and kids would still get the message. I can see this element causing distraction in a classroom. The font is small and there are many words on the page, so this text could be challenging for a child in the beginning stages of the early reader phase. Words like “embroidered”, “sumptuously”, and “doublet” could frustrate an early reader with little fluency. A more advanced early reader who is on the verge of becoming a transitional reader would do well with this text!

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the main idea of this text?
2. Teacher can pull three events from this book and ask students to sequence them
3. How did the animals react when they saw the farmer dressed in regal clothing? Why did they act this way?

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hilarious retelling of the The Emperor's Clothes. A farmer enjoys his life with his farm animals. He loves the milk from his cow and goats and the eggs from his chickens. He uses what he needs for himself and sells the rest at market.

On the way home from the marketplace one day, the farmer notices strange items along the path. He realizes that the items make up a fabulous outfit. He wears the outfit to visit the village for the Emperor's parade of new clothes. He, along with the other townspeople, is completely confused as to why the Emperor has no clothes on. Oh, well...

Returning home to his farm, the farmer quickly realizes that the fancy new clothes are making his life more difficult. But he does learn that his animals have wonderful laughter!

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book for its illustrations. David Catrow is one of my favorite illustrators, reminds me of Berke Breathed. The story though, that was kind silly and I didn't feel like it grabbed me. I understand the moral and I'm glad there was one, but the writing itself could have been less traditional and more humorous. One of the great parts of the Emperor's New Clothes is that children know a naked delusional king is funny, whereas a only the farm animals really understood the humor involved in their master's new duds.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the whimsy, details, color and emotions of the illustrations--except--the picture of the king on parade was alarming to my little girls and I thought crossed the tastefulness line (could have used quite a few more feathers). That image was distracting enough to overshadow what I thought was a cleverly cute and humorous rest of the story. On the second reading my girls were ready with a "cover-up" for the exposed King--which made is much more fun!=)

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry is a simple farmer that ends up finding the Emperor's discarded clothes along the road (the same Emperor who later parades through town naked in his "new" clothes). He changes into them and feels quite regal indeed. But when he arrives home, his new look isn't conducive for farming chores and his animals think he looks quite ridiculous.

Great illustrations (love David Catrow).

[Dani Kappel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry the farmer finds the emperor's clothes and wears them only to discover he likes his own clothes better. The book is text heavy and a cute twist on the Emperor's new Clothes. It's good for narrative skill and vocabulary. I'd recommend it for ages 4-6.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be great to teach children about humility. During the story the farmer finds the emperor's old clothes. After putting all of the clothes on, the farmer becomes very vain. His friends on the farm do not take to his new wardrobe but are happy when they are gone.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should surprise no-one that follows me that I am a fan of David Catrow. And its books like this that are why. When you take the illustrations of Catrow and add it to the words of Lasky you get a dynamite book. A unusual take on the emperor's cloths, and a great one at that.

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. Kathryn Lasky is one of my favorite authors.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Not as adorable and funny as the original The Emperor's New Clothes, but still cute.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a favorite for years. The emperor's clothes are picked up by a farmer who tries them on. The story is long enough that it is better for elementary age students.

[Stephanie Borges Folarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will be added to the Future Folarin Progeny library.