The Emperors New Clothes The tale of the emperor and his court, who allow themselves to be swindled by two impostors until a child tells the truth. The famous and much-loved Danish author Hans Christian Andersen celebrated his 200 anniversary the year 2005. On this occasion we have published five of his best tales retold for children aged 3-9 years and with new illustrations: Tinderbox, The Little Match Girl, The Nightingale, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling. Hans Christian Andersen wrote The Emperors New Clothes in 1844.