Emile: The Helpful Octopus - from Tomi Ungerer, winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration

by Tomi Ungerer

Emile is a charming tale about an eight-legged hero that will delight two-legged readers of all ages. From Tomi Ungerer, one of the world's most famous and best-loved children's authors. Emile is an eight-legged hero who has twice as much courage and four times as many legs as most people – except, of course, other octopuses. When deep-sea diver Captain Samovar is attacked by a ferocious shark, Emile comes to his aid. Grateful to his rescuer, the Captain invites him to stay at his home, where Emile sleeps in a bathtub full of salt water. Emile turns out to be a fantastic he is a gifted musician (able to play three instruments simultaneously) and a great lifeguard, teaching children to swim and saving people from drowning. One day, Emile and the Captain, who works on a police launch, encounter a suspicious-looking boat in the ocean, with a dangerous group of smugglers on board... A picture book for ages 5-8.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Animals, France, Humor, Adventure

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1960

About the author

Jean-Thomas "Tomi" Ungerer was a French illustrator best known for his erotic and political illustrations as well as children's books.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

When deep-sea diver Captain Samofar runs into trouble with a shark, he is rescued by a helpful and kindhearted octopus named Emile. So begins a beautiful friendship, as Samofar invites his rescuer to live with him on land, where the intrepid octopus discovers his musical talent, rescues many people while working as a lifeguard, and aids the police in capturing a band of smugglers. But although his on-land life is a success, Emile longs for his home in the ocean, and must eventually return to the deeps...

An engaging story of friendship between two very different individuals, Emile is one of French author/artist Tomi Ungerer's earlier picture-books - it was first released in 1960 - and was originally published in English in New York. I appreciated the message, implicit in the story, that friendship can bridge significant differences, and found Emile an immensely appealing hero. It helps, of course, that I have been reading a bit about octopus intelligence recently, and find these creatures immensely interesting. Recommended to Tomi Ungerer fans, and to anyone looking for fun children's stories focusing of the theme of friendship.

[Jennifer B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, which is what I've come to expect from a Tomi Ungerer children's picture book. The plucky little octopus that saves the day!

[Lobstergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is out of print. A deep-sea diver befriends an octopus who saves his life (Emile). Emile becomes an expert lifeguard, fights crime, attends dinner parties, but longs for his home beneath the sea.

[Alexis Ayala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una historia muy bella sobre la amistad

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Everyone has got something that the others don't have' are Ungerer's words about this book and the message could not be clearer. One of his earliest books, Ungerer has chosen of the lesser loved creatures of the time and celebrated its talents for all its regarded faults.
Illustrated in a very limited pallette of green, black and white (with a hint of pink), this was a picturebook published in 1960 when money was short and colour choices restricted. I also found it interesting that, originally, the octopus was going to be called Emil but changed to Emile at the end. A loveable, caring character who despite his differences to all those around him, is welcomed in open-arms and lives a fruitful life in which his difference and skillset are valued.

[João Teixeira · Rating 2 out of 5]

Infelizmente, não posso dizer que gostei deste livro. A meu ver, falta à história algum sentido. Existe uma linha narrativa, mas é sustentada por factos que não fazem sentido. Se o polvo Emílio gostava e tinha saudades do mar, por que razão foi viver para casa do Capitão Samofar? Os agentes da autoridade deixariam realmente que uns patifes lhes roubassem o barco? Será correcto que uma criança leia que os patifes foram manietados por meio de uma metralhadora que lhes foi apontada?
Enfim... não é uma história que me tenha feito sonhar, mesmo que a mensagem final seja de que nem o mar pode separar dois amigos...

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The type of simple but fantastical sotry that inspires kids and adults to spin their own yarns. Silly but in a whimsical way that encourages curiosity and thought. Still mercifully simple and straightforward enough not to be pretentious or alienating. A perfect balance. Could be a great conversational point for a literal-minded child who wonders if such a thing could happen. Gave me real Doctor De Soto vibes.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

One octopus orchestra, drumming, strumming the harp and cello to Debussy’s La Mer, how he can read the sheet music for all the instruments all at the same time is mind boggling, no wonder he’s the life of the party.

[Checkthebook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Tomi Ungerer is a gem! This story reminds me of two of his other classic books "Crictor" and "Rufus" in which a helpful animal character encounters the human world. Parents: there are a few drawings of beach scenes you may want to pre-check.

[Seema Rao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about an octopus who has adventures and then returns home. The illustrations are minimalist but appealing.

[Angelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emile is quite the octopus!

[Jill Henson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I found another cute octopus book. Wrong. This would've been a cute book to do in preschool storytime had it not been for the smugglers shooting at the police. Really?

[Zan Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Emile the octopus saves Captain Samofar's life he gets a job as a lifeguard and his spectacular rescues earn him many friends.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winning little adventure. Could have done without the gunplay, but it WAS a different time (1960).

[Chance Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

They don't write 'em like this anymore!

[The Transmuted Tree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red 2nd

[Nathália · Rating 4 out of 5]

so cute and fun

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

... of course I'm going to like a book that contains the phrase: "The octopus turned out to be a gifted musician" ... with some inspired artwork to prove it ...

[Austyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2nd Annual Translated Children's Book Month : Book 25/30 German

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

helped a kid check this out at the library, and knew I needed to check it out myself! squids and octopuses are a fav of mine. love the vintage feel of the book! I'd point to that as the biggest draw at this point. the illustrations are great in a vintage way, and the story is a decent adventure. the gun fight is not something you see in many kids picture books these days! i'd read this to slightly older kids, kindergarten+

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emile rescues Captain Samofar and goes on to have a rewarding life: musician, life guard, aid to the police. But sometimes an octopus just wants a quiet life in the sea.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another charming story about an exceptional critter who finds a rewarding life outside of his habitat.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Octopus hero!

[Laura Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emile liked to make different shapes at the beach. He was a chair, a sleigh, and a bird.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much like Crictor.

[LeAnn Forystek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite classic children's book. Emile stands up for right and saves those who are in danger.