What do you think?
Rate this book
A Treasury of 8 Books
The only English-language anthology of Tomi Ungerer's picture books available, this bestselling treasury brings eight iconic picture books by the legendary author together in one lavish volume This glorious collection brings together eight much-loved Ungerer tales, from his best-known classics ( The Three Robbers , Moon Man , Otto ) and acclaimed recent work Fog Island , to lost gems Zeralda's Ogre , Flix , The Hat and Emile . The only English-language anthology of Ungerer's picture books available, its content celebrates the creative genius of an icon widely acknowledged as one of the most influential children's author/illustrators ever in the realms of children's literature and illustration - acclaimed, award-winning, and influential to the work of Maurice Sendak, Eric Carle and Shel Silverstein. Special features include a personal letter from the author, quotes and anecdotes about each story, and materials from the 'making of' for some his most celebrated works - storyboards, sketches, and images that inspired him. Ideal for Ungerer's adult fan base as well as his youngest readers, this is a lasting tribute to a master of his craft. Ages 5-8
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2016
3 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Tomi Ungerer
302 books184 followersJean-Thomas "Tomi" Ungerer was a French illustrator best known for his erotic and political illustrations as well as children's books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 23, 2020
This wonderful slipcased anthology from Phaidon Press contains eight classic picture-books from master author/artist Tomi Ungerer, as well as some additional material. Opening with a letter from Ungerer, the eight stories are then presented, each one beginning with an observation or moral conclusion that its creator has drawn from it. The titles included are:
The Three Robbers
,
Zeralda's Ogre
,
Moon Man
,
Fog Island
,
The Hat
,
Emile
,
Flix
, and
Otto: The Autobiography of a Teddy Bear
. At the rear of this massive volume is an interview with Ungerer, conducted by his Phaidon editor, Maya Gartner, and covering some of his thoughts about each book included. Photographs and sketches from the creation process of each title are also included in this section. A final thought about producing children's books, and a brief author biography round out the additional material presented here.
Although I have read a number of these books individually - my reviews of each story are posted with my listing of each book - I was still thrilled to come across Tomi Ungerer: A Treasure of 8 Books. Phaidon has reprinted four of these eight stories individually, but for the others ( Zeralda's Ogre , The Hat , Emile , Flix ) this anthology represents the only editions that are currently in print, at least in English translation or version. Of course I enjoyed reading the stories again, but the chief pleasure here for me was reading the final interview, and learning a little bit about the creation of Ungerer's books. I thought it was interesting that he commented that The Three Robbers and Zeralda's Ogre are practically the same story, as I myself noticed strong thematic similarities between the two when reading them. I was struck by so many little details and pieces of information - the fact that Ungerer designed a unique typeface for each title he created, the fact that the hero of The Hat was named for a real-life anti-fascist Italian general - and came away with an increased appreciation for this artist's work, and for his life. I'd like to read his memoir, at some point. Highly recommended to all Tomi Ungerer fans!
Although I have read a number of these books individually - my reviews of each story are posted with my listing of each book - I was still thrilled to come across Tomi Ungerer: A Treasure of 8 Books. Phaidon has reprinted four of these eight stories individually, but for the others ( Zeralda's Ogre , The Hat , Emile , Flix ) this anthology represents the only editions that are currently in print, at least in English translation or version. Of course I enjoyed reading the stories again, but the chief pleasure here for me was reading the final interview, and learning a little bit about the creation of Ungerer's books. I thought it was interesting that he commented that The Three Robbers and Zeralda's Ogre are practically the same story, as I myself noticed strong thematic similarities between the two when reading them. I was struck by so many little details and pieces of information - the fact that Ungerer designed a unique typeface for each title he created, the fact that the hero of The Hat was named for a real-life anti-fascist Italian general - and came away with an increased appreciation for this artist's work, and for his life. I'd like to read his memoir, at some point. Highly recommended to all Tomi Ungerer fans!
October 27, 2016
Terrific. Terrific. Terrific. There is a reason this is a treasury - these stories are true treasures
June 9, 2017
I can honestly say until this book I have never read a Tomi Ungerer story. I've seen his stories on my library's shelf but the covers looked dated and ill-drawn. They did not interest me. Why did I finally pick this book up? I saw it featured in the school library journal. I thought, well, why not, the made a treasury of these stories so they should have some merit.
The book I received does not have the pretty cover pictured on Goodreads but rather a solid bright pink cover that merely features the author's name. The stories within however are pure genius. I loved everyone. My favorite being Otto which I think every child and adult should read. I can't say I love the illustrations, they are awkward and underdeveloped but on the other hand they depict clearly the tone and gravitas of each story.
Each story is profound and deep, seething with justice and testing out our individual state of morality.
These are the stories our children should be learning, never mind the haphazard drawings, read them something that will teach them, something that will shape them, something that will stay with them forever.
The book I received does not have the pretty cover pictured on Goodreads but rather a solid bright pink cover that merely features the author's name. The stories within however are pure genius. I loved everyone. My favorite being Otto which I think every child and adult should read. I can't say I love the illustrations, they are awkward and underdeveloped but on the other hand they depict clearly the tone and gravitas of each story.
Each story is profound and deep, seething with justice and testing out our individual state of morality.
These are the stories our children should be learning, never mind the haphazard drawings, read them something that will teach them, something that will shape them, something that will stay with them forever.
February 4, 2022
The interview with Tomi Ungerer about his process.
The Three Robbers:
“Evil can be the most fertile ground for good, and good can learn from the cleverness of evil.”
Emile:
I wanted to take animals that are despised and restore a good reputation. Everybody has got something that others don’t have. So why not show how their difference makes them special?
Flix:
The book is about duality
Otto:
The fact that I’m not a racist is because I decided not to be one. Because I cannot explain things like this to children, I write about them. I believe everything is based on education.
I would not have been able to do this book if I hadn’t lived through certain things and if I didn’t want to pass on a certain message. Sometimes, the worse the situation, the more you learn.
The Hat:
Anybody stands a chance in life.
.. there is such a thing as fate, and whenever any chance presents itself, you have to respect it, be grateful and be aware of the possibilities it offers you.
I thank fate for all the negative aspects of life because challenges lead to invention.
That is the other important thing in my books: there is always an element of invention.
All the little details come to me as I go along, If I have an idea, I might write some sentences, then draw a little sketch. There is no exact system, but before I start doing the book, I have a storyboard. This is just made of little square with the text underneath and then I do bigger sketches, Then I scribble, scribble, scribble what I have in my head. I am a fast worker when it comes to making my books.
Tips:
Write your own stories. You can tell right away if a book has just been illustrated or if it has been conceived and written by the artist as well.
The Three Robbers:
“Evil can be the most fertile ground for good, and good can learn from the cleverness of evil.”
Emile:
I wanted to take animals that are despised and restore a good reputation. Everybody has got something that others don’t have. So why not show how their difference makes them special?
Flix:
The book is about duality
Otto:
The fact that I’m not a racist is because I decided not to be one. Because I cannot explain things like this to children, I write about them. I believe everything is based on education.
I would not have been able to do this book if I hadn’t lived through certain things and if I didn’t want to pass on a certain message. Sometimes, the worse the situation, the more you learn.
The Hat:
Anybody stands a chance in life.
.. there is such a thing as fate, and whenever any chance presents itself, you have to respect it, be grateful and be aware of the possibilities it offers you.
I thank fate for all the negative aspects of life because challenges lead to invention.
That is the other important thing in my books: there is always an element of invention.
All the little details come to me as I go along, If I have an idea, I might write some sentences, then draw a little sketch. There is no exact system, but before I start doing the book, I have a storyboard. This is just made of little square with the text underneath and then I do bigger sketches, Then I scribble, scribble, scribble what I have in my head. I am a fast worker when it comes to making my books.
Tips:
Write your own stories. You can tell right away if a book has just been illustrated or if it has been conceived and written by the artist as well.
March 12, 2024
Recall read The Three Robbers as a kid many years ago. Vague recall of Fog Island, yet the Robbers stayed with this reader. The Hat is a slight retelling of an object of going from one person to the next. Only slight. Fog Island is a very enigmatic tale enshrouded in fog of mystery. Which is probably what Ireland is as Ungerer tells of it. Otto is kind of the same type of tale of teddy bear as with the Hat. Zeralda’s Ogre had a very good appetite that saved everybody’s lives. However, the ending… All the stories are good, the fantastic, and you don’t worry about the details in the tale telling. Just go with it. Recommended.
December 16, 2024
I think my favourite parts in this book are the typical midnight snacks in the ogre's castle, the moment when the Moon Man escapes his prison cell by fading, during his third quarter, and the stories "Emile" and "The Hat".
This book has a lot of humor as well as dark moments. What is amazing about it is how well the stories and the illustrations fit - you can absolutely tell that they are both coming from the mind of the same person :)
This book has a lot of humor as well as dark moments. What is amazing about it is how well the stories and the illustrations fit - you can absolutely tell that they are both coming from the mind of the same person :)
December 9, 2023
This book includes eight of Tomi Ungerer's classic stories, and afterward there is a series of interviews with Ungerer where he talks about each story and gives details about his writing process, how he got the idea for each story, and what message/lesson he wanted to convey.
September 19, 2017
What a joy Tomi Ungerer is. This book is too.
December 25, 2017
Every fan of Tomi Ungerer needs to own this gorgeous collection!
January 3, 2018
Very nice edition of 8 beautiful books, some of which are rather hard to find. The author interview at the end was nice too.
January 7, 2018
8 of Tomi's best books compiled in a great tome, with a fabulous paper weight and rich colors. Would make a nice coffee table book.
March 25, 2019
This collection was whimsical, poignant, and so beautiful to read through. A true treasure.
Read
June 5, 2025beautiful publication
February 19, 2018
Fantastic little collection of children’s stories. My daughter wants it for her birthday!
February 4, 2017
This collection of Tomi Ungerer's classic works is amazing...beautifully printed set of Tomi Ungerer's best known works...suitable as a collector's gift for Tomi Ungerer fans. If you are unfamiliar with Tomi Ungerer...he is a legend in children's literature. His books are a work of genius...artwork and storylines explore the conditions of humanity and is presented in very witty and satirical tones fitting for children as well as children at heart.
September 25, 2017
What a treasure, indeed. I have always enjoyed Tomi Ungerer's books. I love them even more now after rereading 8 of them together in this single volume. If you have an Ungerer fan in your life, or if you ARE that fan, I cannot recommend this highly enough.
Exceptionally well-done, Phaidon! I continue to be consistently impressed with your output.
Exceptionally well-done, Phaidon! I continue to be consistently impressed with your output.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews