The Story Of Babar: Th...

by
Jean de Brunhoff

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The Story Of Babar: The Little Elephant (Babar #1)

by Jean de Brunhoff

4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 · rating details · 26,174 ratings · 179 reviews

'The Story of Babar' - the early adventures of the enduring, endearing elephant - was written in 1931 by French writer Jean de Brunhoff (1899-1937). Since then, it has been translated into at least 12 languages.

It's amazing how much can happen to one little elephant in the course of one little book: Babar loses his mother to a hunter, wanders into the city, gets a new war...more

Hardcover, 48 pages

Published 1961 by Scholastic, Inc. (first published 1931)

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May 31, 2009 Ceridwen rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: French Colonials

Shelves: childrens, grandparental-overshare

Recently, my family rented a cabin for a week. Now, most cabins have a collection of books that the owners leave around, and it's usually along the lines of a swap shelf with a bunch of thrillers, romance novels, and the lesser known works of 70s scifi authors. This cabin was notable in the quality and quantity of its books. There was an OED (the older edition with the magnifying glass), various field guides, Virginia Woolf, Greek myths, someone's dissertation in hardcover, historical mysteries,...more Recently, my family rented a cabin for a week. Now, most cabins have a collection of books that the owners leave around, and it's usually along the lines of a swap shelf with a bunch of thrillers, romance novels, and the lesser known works of 70s scifi authors. This cabin was notable in the quality and quantity of its books. There was an OED (the older edition with the magnifying glass), various field guides, Virginia Woolf, Greek myths, someone's dissertation in hardcover, historical mysteries, some cheesy stuff about getting in touch with your Inner Spirit hidden back in the bedroom, and a collection of those teeny hardcover children's books stacked in the bathroom. So the kids and I read through them, starting with the stuff I knew: Peter Rabbit and Harold on their adventures. Then I hit Babar.

I hadn't read Babar as a child. I kind of remember being semi-terrified by a production at the local children's theater, but I was pretty young, and it didn't really stick. So, I'm reading along, slowly getting more worried by the colonial fable: the leering hunter and casual death, the clothes-horsery of Babar, the abrupt marriage of cousins, the sartorial metaphors. Do the kids see how paternalistic and odd this whole enterprise is? Did they notice Babar just married his cousin after seeing her running naked in the streets?

Turns out I needn't have worried my pretty little head. Know what the kids turned out be be obsessed by? The old king eating a bad mushroom, turning green, and dying. That's it. I'm pretty sure they are completely unaware that there is a larger narrative. They would fetch the book after I'd put it away, and my older child, who is on the cusp of reading himself and kind of a know-it-all, would find the page with the green corpse, and “read” it to his sister. He would also add helpful admonishments about never eating mushrooms in the forest, especially the red ones. The girl would then giggle and ask, “Is he funny? The elephant's funny.”

When on walks during the week I would point out mushrooms growing out of the downed trees and stumps. Some look like fairy awnings, some like blobs of melting butter. They now held the glamor and fascination of green, dead elephants and poison, and the boy was intent. Grandma, in her wisdom, took down a field guide to wild mushrooms, (this cabin really did have an astonishing variety of books) and the boy carefully paged through it to find the species of mushroom we'd seen together.

There's so much anxiety surrounding children's books. They're often explicitly instructive, and as such end up being a very unrestrained expression of cultural expectations and anxiety. You can hang a neon sign above Babar today about French colonialism and France's role as the rich benefactor of those poor, pantsless, mushroom-eating Africans. But my kids, not growing up under French colonialism, don't care about that at all. It simply doesn't exist. They have other anxieties, often the ones I would never expect. Once, one of the boy's school friends told him about the movie “Jeepers Creepers” and I spent a week talking him down at bedtime, making up all manner of stories to keep the monster at bay. I don't like dealing with anxieties about things that don't exist. But mushrooms do, and can be looked up, and his anxiety about poison can be talked about, and can I have a fruit snack? No you can't, because we're having dinner soon. (less)

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Dec 14, 2012 Kathryn rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens-picture-books, classics

Oh, dear. I'm afraid this is one children's classic that I did not like at all upon reading as an adult. I can appreciate the iconic illustrations and can certainly see why Babar made an enduring character, especially when the books were first published, as probably many children found the antics of an elephant in the city humorous, and dressed in his gentlemanly attire he certainly makes an interesting contrast from the other creatures of the forest. However, I really did not enjoy the story an...more Oh, dear. I'm afraid this is one children's classic that I did not like at all upon reading as an adult. I can appreciate the iconic illustrations and can certainly see why Babar made an enduring character, especially when the books were first published, as probably many children found the antics of an elephant in the city humorous, and dressed in his gentlemanly attire he certainly makes an interesting contrast from the other creatures of the forest. However, I really did not enjoy the story and I don't think it's one I will be keen to share with my children.

SPOILERS TO FOLLOW:

First, the beginning is really shocking. It's a Bambi tragedy without the subsequent cuteness. Babar's mother is shot by a hunter and Babar runs off to the city. There, it seems his first order of business is to don a nice suit and fortunately a kindly old lady who understands elephants gives him some money. She also offers to have him stay with her. At least Babar does miss his mother from time to time, but mostly he seems to love life in the city. Until he becomes homesick for the forest and goes back, promising to visit the old lady again (I couldn't help but feel sorry for her, after all she did for him). Here we have another sudden death, as the king of the elephants eats a bad mushroom and dies. Babar is appointed the new king because he has so much knowledge from living amongst men. There's a whirlwind wedding and King Babar and his bride ride off happily in a balloon together.

It's all just so odd, and I'm not sure I can really explain why the story bothered me the way it did but it was just so abruptly tragic in places, then funny and giddy the next. Babar's mother is shot BAM! then a few pages later he's having a wonderful time riding in the department store elevator. It's so disjointed. And I'm not sure how much I like the message that elephants need the knowledge of humans to help them be good rulers of elephants. (I realize many view the story as an homage to colonialism.)

I realize Babar is a very beloved character and I wish I could like the books more. I hope this review does not offend any of those who dearly love the character and I will have to read some reviews from those who really love the Babar books to see what I might be missing here. But for me this was not a pleasant read and I doubt I will seek out more of the series any time soon. (less)

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Dec 24, 2008 Chandra rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: classics-kids, picture-books

What a very odd story! On one hand this is a very silly story about an elephant who gains some sophistication in the big city returning to rule and civilize his old herd. I think that is all children see. But on the other hand there are some disturbing elements - death, violence and colonial attitudes. I don't think the latter really makes this a bad book though. It just works on 2 levels - it delights children book and gives us adults an interesting peek into a different era.

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May 19, 2010 Garnette added it · review of another edition Recommends it for: the nonjudgmental

Recommended to Garnette by: my grandmother

I am opening a bookstore. And yes, of course, it is a life-long dream. Tried to just after my divorce thirty years ago and now, here it is again. The wheel has turned. So despite the worry and work of starting a business (state, federal busy.ness), I get to procure books. At first I thought I would just sell my collection - then there was the heartbreak of actually parting from the majority - which I decided not to do one tearful night.

So many people are donating books to salve my soul and save...more I am opening a bookstore. And yes, of course, it is a life-long dream. Tried to just after my divorce thirty years ago and now, here it is again. The wheel has turned. So despite the worry and work of starting a business (state, federal busy.ness), I get to procure books. At first I thought I would just sell my collection - then there was the heartbreak of actually parting from the majority - which I decided not to do one tearful night.

So many people are donating books to salve my soul and save my books from missing me too. Friends, writing group members, strangers. My one family member - willing to part with her books - the only problem with that is that, besides the fantasy and science fiction and vampires she reads, there are so many I've been longing to read from her collection. Can I part with them? Will book buyers have to pass a test on loving the books before I am willing to accept their money? So many lessons. . .

And I don't accept any moldy or smokey (tobacco) books. Because I have to live with them too while they visit on my shelves, now alphabetized and priced.

Now here's the best ever part: I get to garner books from old library collections and barns and garage sales.

Yesterday, in Olive, how appropriate, I found a real gem - not the $38K first edition of Old Man and the Sea, I had that hanging out on my bookshelves all along. Or it would have been except for the gin spilled on it sometimes in the sixties.

Babar! Totally political incorrect but what memories of Mama Sallie reading it to me then my reading it to my children. The charming ride by a naked elephant up and down the 1890's elevator in Paris on his way to buy spats. Let's not debate how enlightened we all are about the really awfulness of it. But a treasure of childhood. And then I found a copy of Five Little Peppers and How They Grew. And a cookbook by Jacques Pepin. Nostalgia of a life of loving books, and the thick paper, and darling drawings. Books Lost but always loved, then suddenly FOUND.

Opening day, Memorial Day, May 31, after the parade in Andes. (less)

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Mar 18, 2009 T.R. rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not planning to add children's books to my page, but this one really took my breath away as I read it to my one year old one night.

First of all, Babar's mother is shot on like page two. There she is lying dead with the gloating hunter holding his rifle. Yikes! Little orphan Babar meekly watches on, barely a tear in his elephant eye.

However, this isn't enough to warrant a review. It's what comes next. Babar's story then unfolds as some bizarre French colonial wish fulfillment. Babar, followin...more

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Mar 20, 2013 Pamela rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: artsy, charming, children-s, classics, comedic, french, readin2013, picture-books, series

I was *this close* to creating a new shelf for Babar: "dude, chill out" or perhaps "get over yourself" or perhaps even "not everything is a blatant, all-out attempt to indoctrinate your child with communism/fascism/colonialism/capitalsim/your-ism-here-ism." Those would all be too long.

I do not condone colonialism--let me make that clear. However, I do believe, very strongly, that if you do not agree with ideas in--or even hinted at in--a book that you are reading with your child, it is your resp...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: classics

In the Story of Babar, the setting takes us to the jungle wear the illustrations show us an elephant and his mother. The story goes on to show that the baby elephant is very happy with his friends and other creatures in the jungle. Then something terrible happens and the mother elephant is shot by a hunter. the baby elephant, Babar, runs off into the jungle and comes across a town with people. Babar is very impressed by the dress and life of these people, so he makes friends and those friends bu...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Lesley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 06, 2011 Eva Leger rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: julias-books

3.5 - Has anyone else read any of the reviews left here?!?! Holy shit! Get a grip people! This is Babar, it's a book for children for God's sake. "Gasp! A dead elephant! Good heavens!", "Gasp! Don't go to the white people's city Babar or else I can't read this to my kids!", "Oh my gosh! Tell me that's not a gun! That character can't be hunting, can he?"
Good Lord. I'd hate to spend a day with these people. I don't like hunting. I don't mind guns. But Lord keep me, is it really THAT big of a deal?...more

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Jun 22, 2011 Amy Flink rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Babar first came into my life at when I was 8 and in 3rd grade. I will always remember because that was the happiest grade-school year of my whole life. I was going to private school with a wonderful, sweet teacher and awesome friends. Among all the wonderful things my teacher did with us were some of the neat things in the classroom, some being her supply of story books. Naturally as an animal lover, I grabbed this book during silent reading because I needed some reading material.

Tears were s...more

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Jul 21, 2009 Erik Graff rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: children & their friends

Recommended to Erik by: Anne-Lise Graff

Shelves: art

I have no idea if the edition Mother read to me was in English or Norwegian translation--probably the latter, as Mom was still learning back then. In any case, I first recall seeing this book when she and I were in Minneapolis. Dad was about to finish a lengthy training course as an application engineer with Honeywell up there and we were visiting, staying in a downtown hotel memorable for having a tv and a vibrating bed.

Dad drove home with us, stopping in EuClaire, Wisconsin en route to see his...more I have no idea if the edition Mother read to me was in English or Norwegian translation--probably the latter, as Mom was still learning back then. In any case, I first recall seeing this book when she and I were in Minneapolis. Dad was about to finish a lengthy training course as an application engineer with Honeywell up there and we were visiting, staying in a downtown hotel memorable for having a tv and a vibrating bed.

Dad drove home with us, stopping in EuClaire, Wisconsin en route to see his grandfather's grave, but for a couple of days at least he was in class and Mother had to entertain me. The tv and bed cost money, so mostly we walked around downtown. (I saw my first real swans in the beautiful parks there!) Back in the hotel, however, I had to be entertained and Babar was it.

I'm sure the first Babar book was with us, not sure if others were as well, but some of them came along eventually. Although I haven't looked at a Babar book for decades, I recall especially his lounging in a suit, his crowning, the old lady who loved him and the pictures of what really young and really old elephants looked like. The old ones troubled me a bit.

Because Mom was Norwegian and just learning English when I was little, most of the books I was exposed to were in Norsk. Because of this and because my own language was sort of indeterminately between English and Norsk until first grade, and, further, because I refused to use Norsk after the trauma of speech therapy in school, my memory of the books from the days before I learned to read is insufficient to the purpose of finding them for review. I remember the stories, the pictures and many of the covers, but I despair of ever being able to find copies of them on the Web. This is quite frustrating because, like most little kids, I went over them alone and with my parents again and again. They doubtless had powerful effects, but without the reality-check of actually seeing the books, I cannot be sure what is real and what is cryptonesia.

One of the larger mysteries is where I got my ideas about relations between the sexes and romance. It wasn't Babar. His domesticity is too simple. It might be East of the Sun, West of the Moon and the Brothers Grimm because I was dreaming of the ordeals of being a prince in a world of threatened princesses as far back as memory serves.(less)

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Mar 02, 2010 Raja99 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: j, mcpl

I've read this numerous times; I had it as a child, and now I'm reading it to our 5-year-old.

We have a particularly handsome facsimile edition; it's huge (14.5 inches high) and reproduces the hand lettering from the first American edition. Also, the back of the dust-wrapper reprints a handwritten introduction (which reads like a fan letter) from A. A. Milne.

In comparing it with a machine-lettered modern edition, there are a few changes in the text e.g., a dropped comma, some dropped paragraph b...more

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Sep 20, 2012 Jessika Santulli rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: babar

The Story of Babar: The Little Elephant is a timeless classic. Yes, as everyone eventually realizes, Babar's mother does get killed by a hunter in the beginning. Many people believe that this teaches young children about violence too early, or even encourages it. This is not the case. Although Babar does contain some labels of 1930s France, the positive lessons outweigh any criticism one can give this book.

First of all, young Babar the elephant has the best life in the jungle with his elephant f...more The Story of Babar: The Little Elephant is a timeless classic. Yes, as everyone eventually realizes, Babar's mother does get killed by a hunter in the beginning. Many people believe that this teaches young children about violence too early, or even encourages it. This is not the case. Although Babar does contain some labels of 1930s France, the positive lessons outweigh any criticism one can give this book.

First of all, young Babar the elephant has the best life in the jungle with his elephant friends, until his mother is shot. He cries, but does the tiny little boy dwell in self-pity for the rest of his life? No. Instead, Babar displays the resilience of children, something that parents today should not be afraid to teach their own little ones. He marches on, day and night, persevering through all situations. One can assume his home was in Africa before the tragedy, meaning that the young lad walked all the way from Africa to Paris, France. This teaches children to never give up, hope is always on the horizon, even in one's darkest hour.

The shooting of Babar's mother is horrid, but sooner or later children will find out that animals do get inhumanely shot or tortured for their "precious" fur, hide, or in this case, elephant tusks (ivory). Who knows, maybe this story will inspire an older child to become passionate about working to stop this cruelty.

I have also come across criticism of this book stating that the Old Lady, a stranger, gives Babar a purse to buy new clothes, and another criticism regarding the fact that Babar marries his cousin, Celeste:

First, one can not assume that the Old Lady wishes to hurt Babar. Even if she did, does she really have a chance against an elephant? The Old Lady is a kind, gentle woman, whom we later learn lives alone. Maybe she takes Babar in because she loves animals, or never had any children of her own, but wishes that she had. Is it impossible to fathom a kind soul in the middle of the city? There are loving people in this world. Plus, Babar is a young child, and obviously welcomes any help he can get. This interaction does not teach children to talk to strangers; it reassures them that people are loving at heart. Parents can override any book with their own rules about strangers in the end.

Second, it is well known Celeste is Babar's cousin. Well, good morning; elephants are different that humans. They are animals! In the Babar series, elephants are portrayed as living a human societal life (parties, weddings, houses, clothes, doctors, etc), but in the end, who are we to say that elephants cannot marry their cousins in nature? This does not teach children that marring one's cousin is acceptable, but rather teaches them one key difference between humans and animals.

I believe I have covered any appropriately analyzed all major criticisms with this book. Apart from these important, profound lessons in The Story of Babar, this book is an enjoyable read with great, colorful illustrations to be enjoyed by all ages. In my opinion, Babar is a great book and can teach anyone many life lessons!(less)

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Sep 24, 2011 Allison W. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Preschoolers & Up

Recommended to Allison W. by: 1001 CBYMRBYGU

Shelves: 1001-cbymrbygu

Babar! Oh, I've loved Babar since I was a little girl almost a half-century ago! I truly believe Babar is the reason I wanted to learn French so badly as a child. I love the whole series. This book is where I first learned one shouldn't eat mushrooms one finds growing in the wild.

Babar is a great story that shows that all strangers are not bad, education, obligation to country and respect for the wisdom and experience of elders is wise while also introducing children to the idea of poaching and...more

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Jan 01, 2011 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a sad story in the beginning when poor Babar's mother dies to a hunter so Babar runs off to the city in Paris and meets a rich old lady who takes him in and buys him new fancy clothes and a car he likes his life in the city, but Babar was becoming homesick after being in the city for two years. Then one day Babar saw his little cousins Celeste and Arther who had run from home to find him, and Babar takes them to the store to buy new clothes. After a few days in the city Arther's and Cele...more

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Feb 20, 2010 Julie Suzanne rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: picture-books, read-with-my-child

We went back through our blue hardcover book that is a collection of the "best of 20th century" fiction for children. My son and I realized that there were 3 stories we never read, this being the second. This was by far the lamest excuse for a story I've ever seen, even worse than "Jenny Linsky & the Cat Club." This goes to show that we either had terrific intuition in skipping these stories in the first place, or, it's impossible to go back when your child is in (or you are in) 4th grade an...more

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Nov 09, 2012 Dolly rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: parents reading with their children

Shelves: 2012, childrens, picture-book-club

This story was selected as one of the books for the November 2012 - Classic Picture Book Characters reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.

I know I read this book (or others in the series) when I was very young, but so far I had not read this book with our girls. It was much as I remembered it, but somehow I don't think this book has withstood the test of time. It seems so dated and just isn't all that engaging.

The illustrations are very recognizable, an...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Ginger added it · review of another edition

Shelves: pbs

Babar is born in the great forest. A hunter kills his mother, so he runs until he comes to a town. He is befriended by a very rich old lady who gives him money to buy clothes and lets him live with her. He goes for car rides, gets lessons, but he misses playing in the great forest. After two years, he sees his cousins and entertains them. Their mothers are worried and come to fetch them. Babar returns with them. The king of the elephants eats a poisoned mushroom and dies. The oldest elephants ch...more

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Jan 14, 2009 Marya rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: picture-books

Babar is a shopaholic? After his mother is murdered and he is chased by the hunter who did, his first desire is to...buy some sharp looking threads? And when Celeste and Arthur visit him for the first time in the city, what does he do? Buy them clothes of course! And when he returns with Celeste and Arthur to the jungle in his swanky new car(nice image there; Celeste and Arthur's mothers have to run behind the car with their trunks held up to avoid the belching smoke), what does he do when told...more

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Aug 31, 2009 Shanna Gonzalez rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Babar the elephant is born to loving mother and lives happily in the forest with her until she is killed by a wicked hunter. On fleeing from the hunter, he finds himself in a city. When he sees the people there are wearing clothes he wishes that he could do the same, and an empathetic Old Lady buys him a fine suit and takes him home. He lives with her until two of his runaway cousins cross his path. When he returns them to the forest he decides to stay, and the elephants choose him as their king...more

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Nov 24, 2008 Molly rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I remember being in love with Babar as a child, but I'm thinking they must have been the updated stories. Not only did my preschooler not really enjoy this lengthy tale, I was almost too embarrassed to keep reading! I knew going in that it was a colonial allegory, but geez! I mean we see his mom shot and killed and Babar is sad, but he's ok by the next day because a rich old lady wants to buy him some clothes! Then he goes out to civilize his former herd (who of course want to make him king beca...more

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Feb 13, 2011 Myth Girl rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens-lit

Another banned book. Poor little Babar. His mom is shot and killed while he's riding on her back! Not a cheery way to kick of a children's picture book. Life does get better for Babar though, and when the king is poisoned and dies, well, he gets to be the next king. I didn't find anything really compelling in this book though, and it would definitely have it's sad moments for children. No need to ban it though. It's kind of like Bambi meets Lion King. ;) Again - the key with so many books - talk...more

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Sep 09, 2009 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

This is definitely one of my favorite books of all time. I loved, and still love, its sweet storyline, of the poor little elephant who ends up in Paris, and goes on elevators, and is dressed in an improbable green suit, and then returns to Africa where he is chosen to be King, and marries Celeste, and they have darling baby elephant triplets. What also affected me was the cursive manuscript used in the original editions. The challenge of reading the text was an important part of the pleasure I r...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Melissa rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Um, I just don't think I get it. This book is super silly, doesn't seem to have a moral or a point, but unlike something that is super silly for the sake of being silly, it introduces serious topics like death of a family member and making big changes in your life, then goes back to silliness. I'm sure I'm not in the right age category for the book, but I don't see the appeal. I did like when he got all dressed up and then got his picture taken, and the book said: and here was his picture... tha...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Suzanne Moore rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens-books, fall-challenge-picks, winter-challenge-picks

I remember Babar from when I was a small girl. This was one of my favorite books. (published in 1931) I remember having sad feelings for the baby elephant when his mother was killed by the hunter. I also remember how happy I felt for him when he was befriended by the old woman.

This weekend I reread the book to a young library patron. She wanted to know why I was posing with a life size elephant in a picture I had hanging in my office. Well that day goes back to 2008 at the Texas Book Festival....more

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Mar 15, 2010 Valerie Baber rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

From the movie "Fletch":

DR. DOLEN How long have you had these pains, Mr. Barber?
FLETCH That's Babar.
DR. DOLEN Two bs?
FLETCH One. B-a-b-a-r.
DR. DOLEN That's two.
FLETCH But not right next to each other. I thought that's what you meant.
DR. DOLEN Arnold Babar. Isn't there a children's book about an elephant named Babar?
FLETCH I don't know. I don't have any.
DR. DOLEN No children?
FLETCH No books. No elephants either. No really good elephant books.

Much like Arnold, I too, have suffered decades of...more

From the movie "Fletch":

DR. DOLEN How long have you had these pains, Mr. Barber?
FLETCH That's Babar.
DR. DOLEN Two bs?
FLETCH One. B-a-b-a-r.
DR. DOLEN That's two.
FLETCH But not right next to each other. I thought that's what you meant.
DR. DOLEN Arnold Babar. Isn't there a children's book about an elephant named Babar?
FLETCH I don't know. I don't have any.
DR. DOLEN No children?
FLETCH No books. No elephants either. No really good elephant books.

Much like Arnold, I too, have suffered decades of ridiculous comments about my last name and that damned elephant; none of which are have been original or even remotely funny. I’m sure that Mr. Babar and I would be like two little rays of light (that never forget) if we had the opportunity to sit down with each other and unload all the stupidity forced upon us that, for me, began on the playground only a few years after most kids had been exposed to the story of our favorite petite proboscidean.

A huge hit among the uber young since it’s creation in France in1931, I decided to go back to the very beginning book of the series in hopes of developing an adult understanding to the cause of Babar’s success.
The original book, The Story of Babar The Little Elephant, puts us in the jungle with Babar where we see him living happily until a “wicked hunter” kills his mother. This frightens Babar so he runs aimlessly until he ends up in a city where he meets a rich old lady. The woman, apparently having a penchant for young men with large trunks, decides to take Babar in to live with him and gift him with everything he could ever want. Babar lives a life of luxury while he becomes privately educated and achieves good scores with his tutor. But having it all does not fulfill Babar’s spirit entirely. He misses his friends in the forest. It’s at that point that two of Babar’s little cousins come to the city looking for him. Babar tells his sugar momma…I mean, his kind lady-host that he must leave. He promises he will come back. She helps him pack a trunk with all his fine new civilized clothing, which he throws in the car that he’s recently been gifted with and learned to drive. Naturally, he heads back to the jungle. There isn’t enough for three elephants in one little convertible, so the cousins follow behind with their trunks in the air to avoid breathing in all the pollution, of course. Upon their return, we learn that the little elephants did not tell their parents where they were going when they set off to find Babar and the naughty little things get scolded for it. A matter far more serious arises, however, and attention becomes diverted. The old elephant king had eaten a bad mushroom and suddenly died. His role needed to be filled immediately, and having just come back from education and civilization, the community decided Babar would make a fit ruler. Of course, behind all great men are great women, so Babar decides to take a queen. It is perhaps suspicious and questionable that a modern day Babar decides to marry his first cousin, but that’s just what he does. Celeste becomes Mrs. Babar, and after a big wedding, the two set off in a yellow balloon to celebrate their honeymoon and continue their adventures.
The words in the book are big and scarce. The pictures are bigger and colorful and, I admit, fun. There is no character development or realistic plot, but what do you expect from a book written for a 3 year olds? While certain skeptics have their own theories to the actual meaning and issues behind the story, for a child, this is a cute and breezy read, with some very good fundamental lessons provided and plenty of visual stimulation.
In all, I enjoyed the book, and while I’ve had been faced with challenges regarding the similarity of my name to the story’s main character, if it implies to people that I may be some kind of royalty of the wilderness, then perhaps I can overlook the issue. I have, after all, always wanted to be a jungle princess warrior.
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Dec 26, 2011 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens

As a child I was drawn to Babar (a name I just recently learned is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable --buh-BAR) partly because the books were written in cursive handwriting. At five, I couldn’t decipher the curly letters, but oh, how I wanted to.

When I could at last read the words, I felt as if I’d cracked some sort of ancient code, so the books always felt quite magical to me. The French names only added to the mystique.

Little did I know the books would be later denounced for th...more

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May 06, 2010 Katsumi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bedtime

My mother was given a collection of the Babar tales from a friend, so the books were quite tattered when I received them in first grade. Even so, the pictures moved me even before I could read the stories by myself. I remember developing quite a passion for elephants from the story of Babar, and learning about the illegal poaching of these great creatures in elementary school. In addition, the story of Babar and his adventures taught me at an early age that anything is possible.

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Jan 08, 2009 Shauntel rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children-easy

So, although this book is about elephants, which we all love I was sad about the dying mother elephant. I was a little thrown off by the elephant leaving the "forest" and adapting so easily into human life. And I think it is pretty long and uses too many big words for kids to really enjoy. But I respect that it was written in a different time period (1930s) so that probably has a lot to do with it.

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Apr 22, 2009 jenna nims rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-read-to-caroline

i liked the book, the writing is a bit odd, the story is odd and the pictures too, that is what i liked about it. My daughter, on the other hand, never wants to read it again because in the beginning, Babar's mom is shot and killed and she didn't know why that had to be in the book. We are reading other Babar books now b/c she likes him, just not the sad part.

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About Jean de Brunhoff

Jean de Brunhoff was a French writer and illustrator known for co-creating Babar, which first appeared in 1931. The stories were originally told to their second son, Mathieu, when he was sick, by his wife Cecile de Brunhoff. After its first appearance, six more titles followed. He was the fourth and last child of Maurice de Brunhoff, a successful publisher, and his wife Marguerite. He attended Pro...more

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Bonjour, Babar!: The Six Unabridged Classics by the Creator of Babar

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