Book cover of Emile: The Helpful Octopus

Book description

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…


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Why read it?

1 author picked Emile as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This delightful book (a fantasy tale first published in 1960) was one of my kid’s favorite bedtime reads.  I love Tomi Ungerer's drawings—they carry this lovely vintage vibe.

Emile is a heroic octopus who not only dazzles with his talents (like playing three instruments at the same time or working as a shape-shifting lifeguard) but also helps capture a gang of criminals. The story is quirky and it made me laugh every time I read it to my kids. 

From Isabelle's list on stop eating octopus salad.

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Book cover of Pedal Pusher: How One Woman's Bicycle Adventure Helped Change the World

Pedal Pusher by Mary Boone,

In 1894, Annie Cohen Kopchovsky set out to ride her bicycle. Not to the market. Not around the block. Not across town. Annie was going to ride her bike all the way around the world—because two men bet no woman could do it. Ha!

This picture book, with watercolor illustrations…

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