Customer Reviews

Babar's USA (Babar (Harry N. Abrams))

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
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I grew up with Babar and I bought this book for my two-year old to introduce him to Babar. It's a neat book because pictures of Babar and his family are overlaid on actual photographs of various tourist destinations around the country. The only not so great thing about this book is the odd philosophical monologues from Cornelius about the American people. Way over my son's head and I imagine any child under the age of 12.

I bought this book to give to my girlfriend's children who live overseas. I was pleasantly surprised with the comments on the positive characteristics mentioned towards American people. Living outside the USA myself, for over 20 years, mainly negative comments are made about Americans. I think it is important for children with American parents to be taught what makes America great. Thus, this book is an excellent gift for any child of American expats. And, the snapshots reminded me of my history tours of the USA with my parents. A very well put together book - and a bonus that it is told by Babar!

I'd not seen Babar books for years, and this new submission surprised me. The creator has taken to using photographs.

When Barbar along with family and friends tour the United States, they take pictures of the places they see and experience. Keeping with tradition, however, drawings of personified elephants--along with a special monkey--are superimposed onto real photographs. And it works. Charming, in fact.

They start with the sights of New York City. Then it's on to the West, followed by time in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other locations are mentioned briefly: the Cascades, Florida, Poconos, Graceland, Nashville, The South. Aspects of American life include eating in diners, visiting tae kwon do classes for children, riding a bus, playing horseshoes, and best of all, watching American people.

My first reaction is that they had a ridiculously long trip--they were away from home for a very long time. But that's an adult reaction. The trip serves as a vehicle--an excuse to present a tour of the United States.

All the while, we learn how an ideal family interacts. Everyone is incredibly polite--models for all.

Some extraneous material is beyond young children. Not to worry--it will roll right over them and provide interest for the adult reading the story.

"Babar's USA" features the adorable pachyderm Babar who along with Celeste, take their family on a visit to the United States where they explore the various regions. Illustrations of Babar and company are superimposed on actual photographs of places in New York such as Central Park, the Grand Canyon, Hollywood in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, San Francisco, Florida, etc.

This makes a really fun and educational read for young children - as Babar and his family go on a visit around the US, they discover not only the natural beauty of the various regions in the United States, and the differences between them, but also appreciate the rich diversity of the people living in the United States. The language used is simple and easy to understand, clearly defining words like "diversity' within the context of the story. The photographs are beautiful and the illustrations are delightful. A great way to get young children interested in geography.

My kids and I love this book. I love the charming story and lovely photographs, and I'm betting that my kids will look forward to finding out more about each location. This will hopefully inspire a fascination with geography and build some research skills. We can read the story, find them on the globe, and Google and visit the library for the kiddie version of deep background. We had a staycation this year, but in our minds we can take the grand tour, United States style.

Babar the Elephant books by Laurent de Brunhoff have captured a wide imagination, and this new reprint of a classic gives librarians the ability to replace or acquire aging classics with nice new hardcovers. Zephir's photos compliment BABAR'S USA, telling of Babar and Celeste invited by friends in New York to tour the city - and an expanded tour of the country too. The sightseeing journey which emerges traverses the country in this fun survey.