I grew up with Babar.  And so did my kids.  This series has endured for a long time, and it is still one of the best.  Who would have ever thought that an elephant could be lovable, or wise, or adventurous?   There is something special about the way deBrunhoff brings his characters to life that makes all of us old and young identify with them.  This episode deals with bringing new babies into the world, and that is a subject that will be of intense interest to any young child welcoming a new sibling into the family.

As with all the Babar books, the story is quite long for a children's book. You can take two or three sessions to read through this whole book.  All along the way there are lots of wonderful things to explore.  Babar's world is the African jungle, and so this is a good story to explain the differences and capabilities of animals.  There is just enough danger to keep the story suspenseful.

 

Because there are so many interesting possible side plots, this is a great book to help fuel your child's imagination.  When I read it to my grandson Felix the book becomes new and fresh over and over again.  I imagine that the Babar series will stay with your family until you child is old enough to read it by themselves. 

--Barney