Product Description

In the second Babar story, Babar and Celeste set off in a balloon, beginning an exciting series of adventures. Escaping from savage cannibals, only to be trapped by a circus owner, Babar knows nothing of his home country’s escalating war against the rhinos. But with some help from the Old Lady, Babar returns in time to save the day.
This is vintage de Brunhoff--a must for Babar fans and a story sure to charm and engage young readers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17321 in Books
• Published on: 1937-09-12
• Released on: 1937-09-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 56 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780394805764
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Amazon.com Review
Babar and Queen Celeste have just been married in this early story from the most famous of elephantine chronicles. They depart for their honeymoon in a hot-air balloon, and at first all seems wonderful as they glide over a charming coastal town that might be St. Tropez before the advent of tourism. Alas, a storm takes them out to sea and then dumps them on a desert island. The fierce, spear-carrying "savages" who subsequently attack them will remind you that this book was written and illustrated in 1934: they are as far from politically correct as you can get. And the war between the elephants and the rhinoceroses, which ends the story, is also problematic for a modern audience. But the travels and adventures in between show all the excitement and charm that has made the Babar series an enduring hit. (Ages 2 to 6) --Richard Farr

Language Notes
Text: English, French (translation)

From the Inside Flap
In the second Babar story, Babar and Celeste set off in a balloon, beginning an exciting series of adventures. Escaping from savage cannibals, only to be trapped by a circus owner, Babar knows nothing of his home country's escalating war against the rhinos. But with some help from the Old Lady, Babar returns in time to save the day.
This is vintage de Brunhoff--a must for Babar fans and a story sure to charm and engage young readers.

Customer Reviews

Another wonderful Babar adventure!
Babar is one of the most endearing characters in children's literature. This volume is a classic that belongs on any child's bookshelf. The story of Babar and Celeste's hot air balloon ride and subsequent adventures in interesting locales fascinates kids, while broadening their cultural horizons. Some mature themes that may disturb kids (war, cruel treatment by a circus ringmaster), but provide a change from the pastel bunny and kitty story genre. Thought provoking for kids mature enough to handle it.

Do you want to explain to your toddler what a "cannibal" is?
My husband and I remembered the Babar books fondly but obviously not well! We bought this title for our daughter, then almost 2 years old, and started reading it to her at bedtime. Then came the part about the cannibals. Holy cow. Quick thinking and on-the-fly editing by dad saved the day, and 3 years later our little gal still thinks that Babar and Celeste are "accosted by the inhabitants" (as in "the inhabitants of the island"), not "attacked by cannibals."

I love the Babar books, but the original two volumes are full of episodes that would be scary to most very young kids. "The Story of Babar" includes the murder of Babar's mommy -- no thank you, that's just not something I need my under-5 kids to think about! We've made Travels of Babar work with a little revising (there's also a war, a kidnapping and forced labor, and the decimation of a beautiful forest), and it has been a favorite, but I really think it's better for slightly older kids.

politically correct? no, but it will survive.
this is the second babar book, still written by the author (and i include brunhoff's wife who is babar's true creator.) there is much in it that might offend today - i see versions of the book with those sections edited out and maybe that is wise in this day and age. however, we find those sections good leadins to deeper matters of prejudice and ignorance and therefore the book, intended as light humorous reading, serves a much more valuable purpose. with this in mind, i would advise parents to read the book before buying, not on account of the book's quality, but because of the content. It has served as a read-to book, and is read by our kids 4 - 6. It's sturdy, has taken much use, and is still looking good on the shelf!