(Ages 4 to 8, though the cursive writing makes it best for reading aloud. Potentially troubling moments-the death of Babar's mother, for example-are handled with taste, emphasizing Babar's unique gift for uncovering a silver lining in the most persistent of clouds. (Although none of the characters seem to notice, the sight of Babar in a suit leaning against the mantel while he regales his audience with tales of the jungle is plainly hilarious.) All of the Babar books are notable for their ability to tell larger stories with simplicity and style, and The Story of Babar is no exception. The beautiful, delightfully detailed illustrations-de Brunhoff was a painter by trade-never fail to amuse. In the end, he returns home to share his knowledge and experiences with family and friends. The Story of Babar is essentially the tale of a country boy who comes to the city and, while there, comes of age. 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 wardrobe, becomes the hit of high society, marries his cousin Céleste (totally acceptable in contemporary Elephantine society), and is crowned King of the Elephants. Since then, it has been translated into at least 12 languages.
But Babar is the kind of elephant who doesn't just rest on charity he works hard to learn people's ways and be accepted into society. The Story of Babar-the early adventures of the enduring, endearing elephant-was written in 1931 by French writer Jean de Brunhoff (1899-1937). What's the Story Babar runs from a hunter who killed his mother, finally coming to a town where he makes friends with a rich benefactor.
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