The Principal's New Clothes

by Stephanie Calmenson

Book Overview

In this version of the Andersen tale, the vain principal of P.S. 88 is persuaded by two tailors that they will make him an amazing, one-of-a-kind, suit that will be visible only to intelligent people This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0590447785
• ISBN13: 9780590447782
• Release Date: August 1991
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.0" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

The Principal's New Clothes

The Principal's New Clothes by Stephanie Calmenson is a children's book that is extremely hilarious. Mr. Bundy, and elementary principal, is the best dresser in town. All of a sudden theese strangers show up and tell Mr. Bundy, "We can make the best suit for you. You will love it!" But this is not an oridany suit, this suit can only be seen by people who are good at their job. When Mr. Bundy finally gets to view his new suit, he can't see anything at all. This worries Mr. Bundy. What will happen next in this story? This book made me smile while reading it. The way that the author really paints a picture in your mind is amazing. All of the descriptive words are wonderful as well as the language is just right for kids reading it. Although this book is fast paced it's very easy to keep up with it. The Principal's New Clothes is a easy and fun book to read. I reccomend it to anyone who wants a smile on their face. I know for a fact that children would definitely love it. I suggest you go check it out today!

It Rocks!

I am Daisy, a third grade student in California, and I am posting this under my teacher's account and supervision. This book is very funny and it rocks. They wear fancy clothes and they make fancy clothes. The kids were taking out their extra clothes and giving it to the principal. It was so funny.

A great "remake" of a classic

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.

A spectacular book!

Our second and third grade class just finished reading this book! Our favorite part was when The principal thought he was stupid. The ending was hilarious! This is a book you could enjoy reading over and over!

Wonderful book for teachers, many teaching possibilties

This is a great book for teachers to use in the classroom. There are many possibilities to link this to learning. It follows along the line as The Emporer's New Clothes but geared to a modern day school setting.