Jean de Brunhoff created Babar, the elephant character whose picture-book adventures begin with The Story of Babar. After his mother is killed by a hunter, young Babar leaves the forest, discovers city life, learns new customs and eventually returns to the elephants, where he becomes king. Later books including The Travels of Babar and Babar the King expand the world through journeys, family life, civic projects and encounters with other animals. De Brunhoff's pages combine substantial text with large watercolour illustrations, making the original books longer and more narrative than many modern picture books. The stories reflect the attitudes of their period and have also prompted criticism of their colonial imagery and assumptions, which can be useful context for adult readers choosing editions for children. His work fits classic picture books, animal stories and illustrated children's literature. The Story of Babar is the essential starting point because it establishes the character's origin and visual world. Read more Less
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