The Emperor's New Clothes: book club questions by chapter

🦉 The Emperor's New Clothes · meeting 1 of 2

Read: Part One, “The Magic Cloth”; Part Two, “Nothing on the Looms” (pages 1–8, about 4 minutes aloud).
Stop at the end of page 8, and don't read on: the next part is for next time.

1. What did the tricksters say was magic about their cloth?
   The story's answer: Foolish people could not see it
2. What was really on the looms?
   The story's answer: Nothing at all
3. Who first said that the Emperor had nothing on?
   The story's answer: A little child
4. Who have we met so far, and what does each of them want?
   Listen for: Make a list together on the board; keep it for next time and add to it.
5. The part we just read is called "Nothing on the Looms". Why do you think it has that name?
   Listen for: Any answer that points to a moment in the part is a good one; ask for the page.
6. Stop here. What do you think will happen next? Write or draw one guess to check next time.
   Listen for: Keep the guesses in an envelope. Don't say whether a guess is right: the next part will.

🦉 The Emperor's New Clothes · meeting 2 of 2

Read: Part Three, “Getting Dressed”; Part Four, “The Parade” (pages 9–15, about 4 minutes aloud).
Stop at the end of page 15, the end of the story.

1. Why did the old minister say he liked the cloth?
   The story's answer: He did not want anyone to think he was a fool
2. What does this story teach?
   The story's answer: It takes courage to say what is true
3. Look back at last time's guesses. Which came true, and what surprised you?
   Listen for: Read the guesses out. Nobody was wrong: a guess that missed often shows what the author wanted us to expect.
4. The part we just read is called "The Parade". Why do you think it has that name?
   Listen for: Any answer that points to a moment in the part is a good one; ask for the page.
5. Now that you know the ending, was it the ending you expected?
   Listen for: Ask what in the earlier parts pointed to it, or pointed the other way.

About the whole story

1. Who in the story was kind, and who was not? How do you know?
   Listen for: Ask for the moment in the story that shows it.
2. Which part would you change, and how would the story end then?
   Listen for: There is no wrong ending; ask what else would have to change.
3. Is there a rule of three in this story (three tries, three wishes, three visitors)? Why do you think fairy tales like threes?
   Listen for: Many do; a third time is where the change happens.