The Emperor's New Clothes
10 pages · 4 min · ages 5+
Based on: Danish (Hans Christian Andersen)
Emperor Leo loved fancy, colorful clothes. He changed his outfit every hour. He had many red velvet capes. He wore big hats with feathers. His closet was very, very full. All the townspeople loved his style. Leo wanted the best clothes ever. He looked for a new tailor.
Two clever men arrived at the palace. They said they were special weavers. They told Leo about a magical fabric. Only wise people could see it. Foolish people would see nothing at all. The Emperor was very intrigued now. He gave them lots of gold. They began to work right away.
The weavers set up their big loom. They pretended to spin golden thread. But the loom was actually empty. There was no silk or wool. The weavers moved their hands quickly. They looked very busy and tired. They asked for more shiny jewels. Leo gave them everything they wanted.
The Emperor sent his wise Minister. The Minister looked at the loom. He saw absolutely nothing on it. He rubbed his eyes very hard. He did not want to look silly. 'The colors are beautiful,' he lied. He told Leo the cloth was great. He felt a little bit nervous.
Soon, the Emperor visited the weavers. He looked at the empty air. Leo could not see any clothes. He felt a little bit scared. Am I a foolish man? he thought. 'The suit is splendid!' he shouted. He did not want to be wrong. Everyone else nodded their heads quickly.
Today was the day of the parade. The weavers helped the Emperor dress. They pretended to lift a heavy cape. They zipped up an invisible jacket. Leo stood in his blue pajamas. He looked at himself in the mirror. He pretended to fix his collar. He walked outside into the sun.
The townspeople lined the busy street. They saw the Emperor's cozy pajamas. Nobody wanted to seem foolish today. 'Look at the lovely gold lace!' 'The patterns are very vibrant!' They cheered for the invisible suit. Everyone clapped their hands very loudly. The Emperor felt very proud and tall.
A small child named Mia watched. She looked at the Emperor's pajamas. She did not see any magic. 'He is wearing his pajamas!' she said. Her voice was very clear and loud. The crowd became very, very quiet. Everyone looked at the little girl. The Emperor stopped walking and waited.
The Emperor looked at his blue pajamas. He looked at the empty air. Then, he started to giggle softly. Soon, he was laughing very loudly. 'She is right!' the Emperor cried out. He felt very happy and light. The truth felt better than a lie. He gave Mia a golden star.
The weavers said they were sorry. They promised to be honest now. They became the Emperor's real tailors. They made him soft wool coats. Mia became the Emperor's best friend. She always told him the truth. Honesty made everyone feel very good. The town was full of smiles.