Find a book
Donate

The Story of Babar

by Jean De Brunhoff
Translated by Merle S. Haas

Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 7+

Published by Farshore, 2008

  • Around the world
  • Classics
  • Comic books
  • Funny
  • Graphic novels

About this book

' In the great forest, a litle elephant was born. His name was Babar...'

First published in the 1930s, this charming French classic tells the story of what happens to baby elephant Babar as he grows up. When his mother is shot by cruel hunters, a grief-stricken Babar leaves the forest and wanders to a nearby town. There, he is taken under the wing of a rich old lady, who dresses him elegantly. He learns mathematics and to drive a car - and even sleeps in a bed. But before long, he misses his fellow elephants, and soon he returns to the jungle,where he is crowned king of the elephants and marries his queen, Celeste.

With beautifully distinctive illustrations from Jean de Brunhoff, a sometimes surreal and sometimes moving story, and a loveable hero in the dignified Babar himself, The Story of Babar remains a firm favourite with children.

About the author

Jean de Brunhoff (1899-1937) is considered to be one of the greatest picture book authors in history.

Babar began as a story told by his wife, Cécile de Brunhoff, to their two young sons, Laurent and Mathieu, of a little elephant whose mother is shot by hunters and then moves to Paris in search of a new home. The boys so loved the story they asked their father Jean, an artist, to create some drawings of the elephant he named Babar. The first Babar book, The Story of Babar was published in France in 1931 and was an instant success and Jean de Brunhoff went on to write 6 more Babar books.

After his untimely death in at the early age of 37 his son Laurent continued writing and illustrating the tales of Babar which now includes numerous books, films and an animated television series.

More books like this

Explore our Bookfinder

Lists of recommended reads

  • Books all about elephants

    Everyone loves elephants! Here are some of our favourite books about elephants. They’re unforgettable...

  • Favourite books in translation

    If you're interested in exploring children's books in translation, these well-loved favourites and award-winning titles offer the perfect places to start.

  • Books from around the world (younger children)

    Enjoy some of our recommended books for younger children from around the world! These books range from explorations of our planet to translated works from far flung places. They cover genres of adventure, humour and fantasy. There's something for all types of children, what's important is that they all show tales beyond the familiar.

Discover more booklists
Share this page Twitter Facebook LinkedIn