The Travels of Babar (Babar Series)

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.

Loved this book, as did my children. Great use of vocabulary. Every child is sure to love it.

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.