The Emperor's New Clothes... and More Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales -Scholastic Video Collection-

Product Description THE EMPEROR?S NEW CLOTHES (By Nadine Bernard Westcott) Two swindlers create a royal robe from magical cloth for a vain emperor. But what's so special about this magical cloth? THE UGLY DUCKLING (By Hans Christian Andersen, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney) Only a mother could love this ugliest of ducklings who is teased for his awkward appearance. But seasons change - and so does he - into a gloriously graceful swan. Narrated by Lynn Whitfield with music by Ernest V. Troost. (Caldecott Honor Book) THE SWINEHERD (By Hans Christian Andersen, Illustrated by Bjorn Winblad) A spoiled princess scorns the love of an honorable prince - until the prince comes up with a clever way to steal some kisses from the princess. BONUS STORIES: NIGHTINGALE (By Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Michael Sporn) Amazon.com This collection of animated shorts (based on four of Hans Christian Andersen's much-loved fairy tales) offers a variety of visual styles. The Emperor's New Clothes is cartoonish, colorful, and accompanied by a jaunty soundtrack, all of which well serves the classic story: Two swindlers persuade a foolish king that their magical cloth can't be seen by the foolish and incompetent--so of course everyone pretends to be able to see it. The Ugly Duckling, about a duckling spurned by his family for being too different, isn't so much animated as illustrated; the mostly still pictures are lovely, but some children may find this approach a little dull. The Swineherd, a lesser-known story about a prince who disguises himself as a peasant to woo a vain princess, has a look that mixes Marc Chagall and medieval tapestries. The final story, Nightingale, uses gorgeous Japanese watercolors and simple but elegant line drawings to tell the story of an arrogant emperor who learns to value the sweet song a nightingale. All in all, a satisfying selection, sure to please young children and older Andersen fans. --Bret Fetzer