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Emil and the Detectives
Erich K&aouml;stner Translated by W. Martin Illustrated by Walter Trier
#UB9292
Hardcover, 159 pages; 2007 (1929)
$17.95
Members' Price: $15.26
First published in 1929, this rollicking children's mystery-adventure is a timeless charmer. Young Emil lives in New Tow n, Germany, with his mother, a hairdresser who struggles to make ends meet after the death of Emil's father. When Emil takes the train to Berlin to visit relatives, he arrives at the station, only to discover the money his mother had given him missing from his pocket! Emil suspects the man in the bowler hat from his compartment and follows him off the train. His attempt to trail the culprit in the unknown city seems doomed, until he meets a boy named Gus, who enlists the help of dozens more children. The young gumshoes work together to create, then pull off, a clever plan, and end up solving more than just Emil's case! Quirky characters, humorous narrative, nostalgic illustrations, and sweet, tender themes—Emil's unabashed affection for his mother is quite touching—make this classic a wonderful addition to any child's library. For ages 9-12.
(AG)
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