 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant
- By Jean de Brunhoff
- Genre: Picture Book
Common Sense Media says
An old-fashioned but well-told story.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this old-fashioned but well-told story, with the author-illustrator's classic artwork, appeals to wide-eyed young children.
What's the story?
Babar runs from a hunter who killed his mother, finally coming to a town where he makes friends with a rich benefactor. But Babar is the kind of elephant who doesn't just rest on charity; he works hard to learn people's ways and be accepted into society. Still, he must eventually return to his own kind, the elephants, who give him the highest tribute when they see the results of his hard effort.
Is it any good?
First published in 1933, this book has become a classic beloved by generations of parents and children. Its long staying power attests to its value, and yet, in retrospect, one suspects it would not be published if it were offered to editors today. But, indeed, its simple charm lies in its innocence, its matter-of-fact presentation of all aspects of life, its value system, and its celebration of flexibility, wonder, acceptance, hard work, and happy pursuit of using one's gifts to make others happy.
The detailed primary-color chromatic art and line drawings are reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown's classic Goodnight Moon. So many children, their children, and their children's children who have enjoyed this book and all the others by Jean de Brunhoff for so long know that not everything in life has to make sense, but that trying to behave sensibly has its rewards.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the values promoted in the book, such as hard work and decent behavior, and the rewards they bring. What do the characters learn?
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AGE
Too dated
Along with the depiction of hunting mentioned in the main review, I take issue with this book's portrayal of women. There's so many really good books out there, I'd skip this one. It might've been ok when we were kids but not any more.
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| Author: | Jean de Brunhoff |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | Random House |
| Publication date: | January 1, 2000 |
| Number of pages: | 56 |
| Hardcover price: | $0.00 |
| Paperback price: | $5.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
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