For children navigating new responsibilities and personal growth, this classic tale follows Babar as he overcomes challenges to become a wise and beloved king.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a significant life change, such as a move or the loss of a loved one, and needs a story that acknowledges sadness while modeling resilience. The Story of Babar follows a young elephant who flees to the city after his mother is killed by a hunter. There, a kind woman teaches him about city life, but he eventually returns to the forest to become a wise and beloved king. This classic tale gently introduces themes of grief, adaptation, and growing into new responsibilities. For ages 4 to 8, it provides a powerful, hopeful narrative about overcoming hardship and finding your own strength and community.
Reflects 1930s colonial attitudes of 'civilizing' a character from the 'wild'.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the death of a parent. The scene where Babar's mother is shot by a hunter is presented on-page, though not graphically. The approach is direct and secular. Babar's grief is shown, but the story quickly moves on to his new life. The resolution is extremely hopeful, focusing on his growth, new family, and leadership. The story also contains undertones of colonialism (the 'civilizing' of a 'wild' animal by a European figure) which is a product of its 1930s origin.
Ideal Reader
A 5 to 7 year old child navigating a major life transition, such as moving to a new school or community, or processing a loss. The story is ideal for a child who needs to see that sad beginnings can lead to strong, happy new chapters, and that it is possible to adapt and even thrive after a difficult experience.
Parent Prep
Parents must preview the first few pages depicting the death of Babar's mother. It can be jarring and should be discussed beforehand. A parent might say, 'Something very sad happens at the start, but then the story is all about Babar's big adventure.' For older children, a conversation about the dated 'civilizing' theme might be worthwhile, explaining that it reflects the time it was written. A parent has witnessed their child struggling with a big change or expressing feelings of sadness and being small in a big world. The child might have recently lost a pet or grandparent, and the parent is looking for a story that addresses loss without dwelling in despair, instead focusing on resilience and hope.
Age Experience
A younger child (4-5) will focus on the striking visuals and the adventure: Babar in his green suit, driving a car, and becoming a king. The mother's death is a sad point that is quickly passed. An older child (6-8) is more capable of understanding the emotional depth of Babar's journey from grief to leadership. They can grasp the themes of responsibility, bridging two worlds (forest and city), and building a community.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many modern books on grief that focus on processing feelings, Babar is a story about what comes next. The loss is the catalyst, but the narrative is overwhelmingly about resilience in action. It’s a story of post-traumatic growth, showing a character who adapts, learns, and uses his experiences to become a leader. The classic, large-format illustration style also gives it a timeless, epic feel.
Read plot summary
A young elephant named Babar is orphaned when a hunter shoots his mother. He escapes to a city, where a kind, wealthy old lady befriends him. She buys him clothes and provides him with an education. Babar enjoys his new life but misses his home in the great forest. When his cousins Arthur and Celeste find him, he decides to return with them. Upon his return, he learns the King of the Elephants has died after eating a poisonous mushroom. The elephants, impressed with the knowledge Babar gained in the city, elect him as their new king. He marries Celeste, and they rule together, promising a happy future.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When Babar first arrives in the city, he is sad and lonely. What does the Old Lady do to make him feel welcome and happy again?
2
Babar learns many things in the city, like how to read and drive a car. Which new skill do you think was most helpful to him when he became king?
3
The elephants choose Babar as their new king because he has 'lived among men and learned so much.' What qualities do you think make a good leader?
4
If you could design a special outfit for Babar to wear at his wedding, what would it look like?
