King Albert-Horatio-Otto the Third
had SO many clothes it was simply absurd.
He had outfits for yoga and stroking his cat.
He never ate cheese without changing his hat….
So begins The King’s Birthday Suit. As the king’s birthday approaches, he invites fashion designers to make him an outfit that is mega-special. But none of their creations is quite right – until he meets newcomers Mitch and McTavish, who promise to make the king an outfit from of the most AMAZING cloth in existence. It is so amazing, in fact, that only the SMARTEST people can see it.
King Albert-Horatio-Otto the Third simply cannot resist. He MUST have a suit made from this fantastic fabric! Mitch and McTavish set up their loom and get to work weaving, cutting and stitching the cloth. Naturally the smooth-talking, snazzily-dressed and not at all suspicious-looking tailors are genuine, and the King definitely WON’T end up looking, well, red-cheeked…
The King’s Birthday Suit is my retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s hilarious classic fable “The Emperor’s New Clothes” will hopefully raise a few giggles … and also encourage children to think and speak up for what they believe. The inspired illustrations are by the brilliant Claire Powell, whose depiction of the fashionista monarch and his fabulous wardrobe are a joy to behold.
This is the first of a series of takes on Hans Andersen’s fables, timed to coincide with the bicentenary of the great Danish storyteller’s first published tale in 1822. (Note to young writers – Hans was just 17 when he got his first story published.)
“Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ gets a gleefully silly revamp in this hilarious and brightly illustrated picture book, packed full of rhyme and good-natured giggles.” Waterstones.com
“Incredibly clever and funny, with amazing illustrations which are as elaborate as the king’s majestic wardrobe.” picturebooksnob.com (Full review here)
SHORTLISTED FOR THE LAUGH OUT LOUD AWARDS 2023 – VOTING NOW OPEN!
#Lollies2023
