The Story of Babar

“If you love elephants, you will love Babar and Celeste,” writes A. A. Milne, author of Winnie-the-Pooh, in his preface to The Story of Babar. “And if you have never loved elephants, you will love them now.”

After his mother is killed by a hunter, Babar avoids capture by escaping to the city, where he is befriended by the kindly Old Lady. He becomes educated and cultured and, upon his return to the great forest, is crowned King of the Elephants.

Jean de Brunhoff’s tales of Babar have charmed readers around the world for 80 years. His stories have followed the king of the elephants as he builds a city, founds a family and even meets Father Christmas. Tested by difficult trials – from snakes to fire to runaway prams – he always comes out on top, with the help of patience, determination and, on one memorable occasion, a flight of winged elephants. One of the most iconic series of animal books in history, Babar has become a household name both as a character in children’s books and on TV.