The Principal's New Clothes

Rating:
Summary: A great "remake" of a classic
Review: As the title implies, this book is a modernized version of Hans Christian Anderson's classic tale, The Emperor's New Clothes. The general plot remains the same: the principal (the Emperor, in the original) has a new outfit made by tricksters who convince him that the material is special, and that it can only be seen by intelligent people. The principal sends various liaisons to check on the progress of his suit, and, knowing the "amazing properties" of the non-existent fabric, they are ashamed that they can't see it, and so they lie, telling the principal that it's a wonderful suit. When he finally sees it (and pays for it), he thoroughly believes that other people can see it and his ego won't allow him to admit that he doesn't. He wears it (to a school assembly) and the charade goes on until a kindergartener reveals the truth.

Despite the well-known origins, this book takes on flair of its own because of the modern-day setting (a school, which works because of course this is a children's book) and the wonderful illustrations. I especially liked the artist's interpretation of the various word images: when the text says that Mr. Bundy is the sharpest dresser in town, the art shows a smooth-looking guy in showy prints. In other words, it's a kid's idea of well dressed, and it looks great on the page, though it would probably be terrifying in real life.

Though the ending is a little different than that of the original tale, most kids will like this ending better, and it could be used as a great jumping off point for discussions about honesty, conceit, and sharing.

Rating:
Summary: A great "remake" of a classic
Review: As the title implies, this book is a modernized version of Hans Christian Anderson's classic tale, The Emperor's New Clothes. The general plot remains the same: the principal (the Emperor, in the original) has a new outfit made by tricksters who convince him that the material is special, and that it can only be seen by intelligent people. The principal sends various liaisons to check on the progress of his suit, and, knowing the "amazing properties" of the non-existent fabric, they are ashamed that they can't see it, and so they lie, telling the principal that it's a wonderful suit. When he finally sees it (and pays for it), he thoroughly believes that other people can see it and his ego won't allow him to admit that he doesn't. He wears it (to a school assembly) and the charade goes on until a kindergartener reveals the truth.

Despite the well-known origins, this book takes on flair of its own because of the modern-day setting (a school, which works because of course this is a children's book) and the wonderful illustrations. I especially liked the artist's interpretation of the various word images: when the text says that Mr. Bundy is the sharpest dresser in town, the art shows a smooth-looking guy in showy prints. In other words, it's a kid's idea of well dressed, and it looks great on the page, though it would probably be terrifying in real life.

Though the ending is a little different than that of the original tale, most kids will like this ending better, and it could be used as a great jumping off point for discussions about honesty, conceit, and sharing.

Rating:
Summary: I like this book (Reader age 9)
Review: I like this book because there are lots of funny parts in it. The principal gets new clothes that are invisible. He doesn't know they're invisible! At the end, the kids all throw him some of their clothes, but not all of them, like hats and jackets.

Rating:
Summary: anonymous 9 yr old
Review: The Princepals New Clothes is really a laugh HA HA HE HE! She changes the characters to different routes. She makes the characters funny and look funny.