The Travels of Babar [Hardcover]

Jean De Brunhoff (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Babar

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.

Editorial Reviews

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)

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 56 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (September 12, 1937)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394805763
• ISBN-13: 978-0394805764
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 0.4 x 11.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #78,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Elephants

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars politically correct? no, but it will survive., February 16, 2008

By 

GC - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Travels of Babar (Hardcover)

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!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another wonderful Babar adventure!, March 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Travels of Babar (Hardcover)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, October 12, 2010

By 

kjl (Sonoma, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Travels of Babar (Hardcover)

My daughter was given these books when she was a child and loved the pictures and the stories..so I bought them for a friend's 4 year old grand-son for his birthday. And even though he had so many of the new modern toys. He really loved the books and stories. His parents were excited, too, since they had the books as children. it was a sweet gift.