Emile

by Tomi Ungerer

Les poulpes ont mauvaise réputation. Pourtant, Émile le poulpe, lui, aura sa statue ! Il sauve un scaphandrier des dents d'un requin et bien d'autres personnes encore. C'est dans les années soixante, après Les aventures de la famille Mellops que Tomi Ungerer entreprend, à New York, une série d'albums en l'honneur des animaux jusque-là mal aimés ou carrément absents des livres pour les enfants : un boa constrictor, Crictor ; une chauve-souris, Rufus ; un vautour, Orlando ; un kangourou, Adélaïde et une pieuvre, Émile, que voici. Ils font mentir leur réputation, incarnent le bien, sauvent des vies, et se révèlent plus humains que ceux qui les avaient d'abord rejetés.

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

36 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]

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.]

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]

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]

Una historia muy bella sobre la amistad

[Mathew]

'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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Emmy]

Octopodes are extremely smart, so I suppose having a story where an octopus becomes an upstanding member of society not only makes sense, but is a fun little twist, as well. A good book, all around. I especially liked when he stopped the ship-napping robbers!

[Seema Rao]

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

[Angelina]

Emile is quite the octopus!

[Jill Henson]

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]

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]

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

[Chance Lee]

They don't write 'em like this anymore!

[The Transmuted Tree]

Red 2nd

[Nathália]

so cute and fun

[Timothy]

... 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]

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

[kim]

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]

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]

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

[Mckinley]

Octopus hero!

[Laura Fowler]

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

[Susan]

Very much like Crictor.

[LeAnn Forystek]

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

[Cail Judy]

Even better the third and fourth time around.