Babar the King (1935) by Jean de Brunhoff is the third installment in the beloved Babar series, continuing the adventures of the iconic elephant monarch. After establishing his kingdom in The Story of Babar and The Travels of Babar, Babar now focuses on building Celesteville, a utopian city for elephants, blending European civilization with the natural world.
The story unfolds with Babar’s ideals tested by challenges—a devastating fire, a serpent attack, and the existential musings of his friend the Old Lady. Through these trials, Babar embodies wisdom and compassion, reinforcing themes of leadership, resilience, and community.
Brunhoff’s lush, painterly illustrations—vivid greens, regal reds, and whimsical details—create a visual paradise, while his sparse, poignant text (often handwritten) adds to the book’s charm. A timeless allegory of governance and hope, Babar the King balances childlike wonder with subtle depth, securing its place as a classic of 20th-century children’s literature.
