The Emperor Penguin's New Clothes

Deborah Dowson is a children’s librarian in Pickering, Ontario.

Most of us familiar with the fairy tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes,
but if you are familiar with Janet Perlman’s Cinderella Penguin you
will have an idea of the humorous and vivid flair that this artist
brings to her interpretation of a classic fairy tale.

Perlman is a fine storyteller who adds a humorous dimension to a tale
to make it her own while remaining faithful to the original intention of
the story. Amusing touches include the peacock-feather motif that
appears frequently in the emperor’s wardrobe, and the card game the
“scoundrel” weavers play that is discreetly covered up in the scene
where the emperor comes to the shop to see the cloth. The penguin
characters are amusing, but not ridiculously so. Perlman shows great
sympathy and understanding for the foibles of people (in penguin guise).
The vain and gullible emperor, his court officials, and the
“scoundrels” who take advantage of them are enlivened by exquisitely
detailed illustrations. The art is drawn on matte acetate with ink and
colored pencils and then backpainted with acrylic paints. The result is
an imaginative, whimsical, and vibrant style. This work is sure to be a
popular addition to library collections and a home favorite to explore
again and again. Recommended.