They don't write 'em like this anymore!

Now that I have biff with Tomi Ungerer, I just can't appreciate anything he wrote. But I have to read throught my pile of children's books anyway....
I do not like the exploitation of Emile, just because he can do a lot doesn't mean he should have to. He works all the time, what does he get in return?

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+

'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.

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