ALA Booklist (Fri Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2017)

Before his death, a beloved king names his thoughtful and gentle younger son as successor. His counselors approve because they know the new sovereign will possess the Imperial Robe, a magical garment that grants its owner special powers. Resentful that he has been passed over, the crown prince's older brother secretly cuts the robe into pieces and flings it away, plotting to assume the throne himself when chaos ensues. DePaola's original story contains all the necessary components of a fairy tale: an innocent child, a jealous villain, and villagers whose love and respect for the king prompt them to reassemble the garment from its pieces, adding in their own precious fragments as well. Salati's mixed-media artwork (digitally colored charcoal and graphite drawings) depicts a distant, agrarian past, although the king's head counselor is a woman. Blues predominate the palette (particularly the original robe), with other hues used as accents, and fabric pattern details often reflect the kingdom's fauna. Perfect for reading aloud, especially for those preferring nonviolent tales.

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

When the king dies, the young prince is due to be crowned, but his older half-brother tears into pieces the Imperial Robe said to confer power upon the ruler. The story lacks logic (why didn't the older brother just take the robe for himself?), but the pencil and digital illustrations are expressively drawn and interestingly subdued in palette, looking both folkloric and sophisticated.

Kirkus Reviews

In a small kingdom, a young heir ascends, a dastardly villain plots, and a magical robe saves the day.When the king dies suddenly, the citizens of the titular kingdom worry for the future, as their deceased ruler had warded off thieves and bandits with the aid of a magical imperial robe. The people rejoice when the beloved king's younger son is named the heir, but his older half brother vows to claim the throne for himself. He steals the robe, slices it to ribbons, and casts the pieces to the wind, certain that his younger brother cannot rule without the aid of magic. DePaola's latest is both a charming fairy tale and a valuable lesson reminding readers that true strength comes from love rather than brute force. Salati's arresting illustrations, filled with beautiful animal imagery, are like a Renaissance woven tapestry come to life. The illustrator makes expert use of the double-page spread to display the grandeur of the dead king, the otherworldly beauty of the blue and gold robe, and the charm of the townspeople who sew a new robe for their young ruler. The king's counselors are a nice mélange of young and old men and women; the protagonist is biracial, and his half brother is white.A triumphant story celebrating the ability of love, community, and cooperation to overcome any obstacle. (Picture book. 4-8)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

It is long ago, in a place -along an ancient road.- The beloved old king has died, and the young prince is chosen to assume the throne. Though the prince is young and shy-and not much older than some in this book-s target audience-he is thoughtful and gentle. -All agreed that the kingdom would be in good hands,- writes dePaola. But the legendary imperial robe has gone missing, and everyone in the kingdom believes this -remarkable garment- gives the king magical powers to protect them. An evil plot is afoot-can it be thwarted? Debut illustrator Salati, a former Sendak fellow, works with the assurance of a seasoned pro; his illustrations, rendered in delicately textured pencil and earth-toned digital color, combine an old-fashioned sense of setting and character with a contemporary approach to casting (the kingdom is matter-of-factly multicultural, and the king-s chief counselor is a woman). With its themes of ingenuity, generosity, and the enduring power of community, the story is a lovely and pointedly relevant tribute to those who truly confer legitimacy on any leader: the people. Ages 4-8. Author-s agent: Doug Whiteman, Whiteman Agency. (Apr.)