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Babar the Elephant

2.16.2013






The plush Babar, the beloved king of the elephants who sports a bright green suit and golden crown, was originally a gift for my older son when he was an infant. Now Babar sits most happily in my bedroom as my boys (yes, even the two year-old) have simply outgrown him. So all the souvenirs I've picked up over the years in France have now mostly become mine, though thankfully the boys still enjoy Babar's delightful tales and adventures with his wife Celeste and their family (one of my favorites is A Gift for Mother, which taught my son that his drawings are more special and more valuable than any store bought present). 

In the States, it's been nearly impossible to find Babar mementos except for the storybooks... until now. With the 80th anniversary of Babar upon us (in 1933, Babar's first book appeared in the United States, two years after the publication of the French version), we'll be seeing a lot more of our enchanting little pachyderm stateside!

I did run into these pretty paper butterflies upcycled from vintage Babar book pages (from Dallas Manicom's Abounding Treasures shop on Etsy) that I think could easily be hung in an adult space, ...non

photo credit: Dallas Manicom

Here's a short video with author and illustrator Laurent de Brunhoff at his home in Florida explaining the history of Babar and demonstrating his process of sketching, painting and bringing Babar to life. At a youthful 87, Laurent has no plans of retiring Babar. The 42nd book of the series, Babar's Celesteville Games, was just released in 2011. 

14 comments

  1. The video was wonderful! I grew up reading Babar and have shared a few books with the petite ami.s. I adore collecting children's books as well.

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    1. Hello Allyn! You're fortunate to have met Babar early on... I have to admit it wasn't until much later for me, which is probably why I have such fondness for him as an adult (trying to catch up and all ;). Thank you for stopping by!

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  2. Catherine --

    Thanks so much for featuring my upcycled 3D butterflies!!

    After reading this, I'd like to find a copy of *A Gift for Mother* ... it sounds wonderful :)

    Best wishes!
    Dallas

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    1. Thank YOU Dallas! Your paper creations are so unique and pretty, I'm smitten by the Babar butterflies. Hope you can grab a copy of A Gift for Mother soon, you'll enjoy it :)

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  3. Oh what a lovely post, I grew up reading Babar too, I still remember that childlike feeling of charm and delight over the cursive writing and those drawings! I've still a set of Babar magnets, dingy & peeling, that have been with me for years. I do hope the anniversary means a boon in Babar-ness everywhere too:)

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    1. Oh Lulu, I'd love to see your old Babar magnets... they must be darling, all worn and loved all these years :) From what I've read, we should be seeing our little Babar more and more within the coming year or so, even at Target!

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  4. Aww I need these books for my baby! Such a lovely post, Catherine! You really have a way with words...

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    1. Aww Jamie, your little angel will sure enjoy them one day! Thank you for visiting - despite the little time (and energy) you have these days awaiting the baby to arrive. And I so much appreciate your kind words, as I still often struggle with finding "my voice"...

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  5. Hello! you completely ceased to write to me, for sure, for some reason, perhaps
    but I still love you ... I'm happy for you
    sorry)

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    1. Hello Valentina! I've looked for you here and on your blog for some time now... for a while, it seemed you were offline (or needed a password to read your posts?)... but I'm so happy to see back and will be visiting you for sure! :)

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  6. Some time ago, you were actually the one who made me think about Babar! I do love the paper butterflies and would have no problem at all hanging them in my own bedroom. I would love to introduce the character to my daughter, I believe she's still "young" enough :)
    Take care,
    The Daydreamer

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    1. Ah yes Daydreamer, Babar is everywhere around here, like another child in our household :) You have the wonderful opportunity to find our little friend more easily in France for your daughter, though he has a lot of competition now with Trotro and Barbapapa and so many more! You'll have to let me know if she takes to him...

      Thank you for the vote of approval on the butterflies + for stopping by!

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