By Benny Trump | March 25, 2024

Laurent de Brunhoff, the celebrated author who revitalized the beloved Babar picture book series about an elephant-king originally created by his father, has died at the age of 98.

A Legacy of Storytelling

Born in Paris, de Brunhoff moved to the United States in the 1980s, where he continued to expand upon the whimsical world of Babar. He passed away at his residence in Key West, Florida, following a two-week period of hospice care, as confirmed by his widow, Phyllis Rose.

Continuing His Father’s Legacy

Laurent de Brunhoff was just a child when his father, Jean de Brunhoff, the original creator of Babar, passed away. However, as an adult, Laurent drew upon his own artistic talents to continue the series, producing numerous books such as Babar at the Circus and Babar’s Yoga for Elephants. While he preferred concise storytelling, his illustrations remained faithful to his father’s gentle and understated style.

Global Impact and Adaptations

The Babar series achieved immense popularity worldwide, evolving into a multimedia franchise with adaptations for television and animated features like Babar: The Movie and Babar: King of the Elephants. The fan base ranged from prominent figures like Charles de Gaulle to acclaimed authors such as Maurice Sendak, who expressed admiration for Babar’s enduring charm.

Controversy and Criticism

Despite its widespread acclaim, the Babar series was not without controversy. Some critics viewed it as perpetuating racist and colonialist themes, particularly noting Babar’s education in Paris and its influence on his leadership of an African-inspired kingdom. However, defenders like Adam Gopnik argued that the series was a satirical commentary on colonialism rather than an endorsement of it.

Acknowledging Flaws and Evolving Perspectives

Laurent de Brunhoff acknowledged criticisms of the series, expressing regret over certain portrayals, such as those in Babar’s Picnic, which included caricatures that were deemed offensive. He took steps to rectify these issues, requesting the withdrawal of problematic publications from circulation.

The Origin of Babar

The inception of Babar stemmed from a story improvised by de Brunhoff’s mother, Cecile, for her children. Inspired by her tale, Jean de Brunhoff transformed it into the iconic narrative of Babar’s adventures, with Laurent later carrying on the legacy.

Perpetuating the Tradition

After World War II, Laurent recognized the significance of continuing the Babar tradition and dedicated himself to furthering his father’s work. Despite being married twice and having children of his own, de Brunhoff maintained that he primarily wrote for himself, rather than with a specific audience in mind.

Legacy and Farewell

Laurent de Brunhoff leaves behind a rich legacy of storytelling that has captivated generations of readers. His contributions to children’s literature, particularly through the enduring charm

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