One Sentence Summary:
The Emperor’s New Clothes is a retelling of the classic fairy tale with an all-star cast, including an audio CD, that teaches the importance of honesty and true worth.
Book Genre:
Children’s literature, fairy tale, fantasy
Main Topic of the Book:
Honesty, true worth, and consequences of lies
Key Ideas:
- Honesty is essential in all aspects of life and can prevent negative consequences.
- True worth goes beyond material possessions and appearances.
- The consequences of lying can be detrimental, both for the person telling the lies and those around them.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary:
- Introduction: The Emperor’s New Clothes begins with a brief historical background of the classic fairy tale and introduces the Starbright Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting children’s literacy and creative expression.
- Prologue: The prologue sets the scene in the kingdom of Belveneria where Emperor Maximus rules.
- Act I: The story follows the familiar plot of the Emperor being tricked into believing his new clothes are invisible to fools, but only those with true worth can see them.
- Act II: The townspeople and members of the emperor’s court all play along with the lie, unwilling to admit they see nothing. However, a young child speaks the truth and reveals the Emperor’s nakedness, causing chaos and exposing the truth.
- Act III: The Emperor learns the importance of honesty and true worth through the consequences of his lies. He becomes a better ruler and the people of Belveneria learn the value of integrity.
- Epilogue: The story concludes with a song and a note from the Starbright Foundation on the importance of honesty and creativity.
Key Takeaways:
- Honesty is the best policy.
- True worth goes beyond material possessions.
- The consequences of lying can be detrimental.
- Creativity and imagination are essential for personal growth.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
The book is a collaboration between the Starbright Foundation, a non-profit organization focusing on children’s literacy and creative expression, and a team of talented individuals, including award-winning storyteller Jim Weiss, Grammy-nominated composer Gerald Fierst, and critically acclaimed illustrator Jeff West. All contributors are experienced and highly respected in their respective fields, making this retelling of the classic fairy tale a high-quality, meaningful addition to the literary world for children.
Target Audience:
The Emperor’s New Clothes is primarily targeted towards children aged 4-8. However, its timeless message and captivating illustrations make it an enjoyable read for all ages.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
Published by Starbright Foundation, the first edition of The Emperor’s New Clothes was released in 2003, with subsequent editions released in 2006 and 2012. The book is currently available for purchase in various formats, including hardcover, paperback, and Kindle.