Emil and the Detectives - Erich Kastner

nIt's Emil's first train ride alone and he's excited--and a little nervous. On the train, his fellow passengers are impressed with how polite and grown-up Emil is, and the man in the bowler hat offers him some chocolate--but Emil keeps checking his coat pocket, where he's pinned the money that he is taking to his grandmother. Soon, though, Emil finds himself getting sleepy .

. . and the next thing he knows, the man in the bowler hat is gone-- and so is the money With the help of some new friends Emil becomes a detective and tracks the thief through the city.

Filled with enduring themes of leadership, courage, and teamwork, and the delightful illustrations of Walter Trier, Emil and the Detectives is a rollicking, heartwarming tale come alive.