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The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff, book cover

The Story of Babar Summary

by Jean de Brunhoff

4.08 Goodreads · 57k ratingsFantasy48 pages16-min summary

After his mother is killed, a young elephant named Babar flees to the city, learns about human culture, and then returns to the jungle to become the elephants' king.

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By BookBrief EditorialPublished February 2026How we write summaries

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Babar, a young elephant, faces tragedy when a hunter kills his mother. He leaves the forest and arrives in a big city, where an Old Lady befriends him. She provides him with clothes, a car, and an education, showing him human culture. Babar enjoys his new life, learning to drive, dance, and socialize. One day, his cousins Celeste and Arthur find him in the city, leading to a happy family reunion. Babar shares his city experiences and new possessions with them. However, Babar eventually feels he must return to his roots. He, Celeste, and Arthur travel back to the forest, where they find the other elephants upset after their old King's death. Recognizing Babar's wisdom and understanding of the world, the elephants crown him their new King. Babar then marries Celeste, and together they begin a new period of leadership, bringing progress and happiness to the elephant community.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartwarming, Charming, Whimsical
Read it if
You enjoy classic children's stories with a gentle narrative about growing up and leadership.
Skip it if
You prefer complex plots or stories without anthropomorphic animals.

The Story of Babar Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. Babar's Early Life and Tragedy

    Babar, a young elephant, lives happily in the forest with his mother and the other elephants. He plays with his cousins Arthur and Celeste, eats grass, and bathes in the river. However, this peaceful life ends when a hunter shoots Babar's mother. Devastated, Babar flees into the jungle, leaving his home and family, unsure of what to do. This event begins his journey and forces him to face a world beyond his forest.

  2. Arrival in the Big City

    After a long, lonely journey, Babar, still young, arrives at a large city. He is overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells—tall buildings, cars, people, and fashionable clothes. Everything is new and exciting. He is especially interested in a well-dressed old lady he sees in a park. She notices his sadness and his interest in human society, and a connection begins between them, changing Babar's lonely exile.

  3. The Old Lady's Kindness

    The kind old lady, seeing Babar's curiosity and distress, takes him in. She buys him a green suit, a bowler hat, and yellow shoes, changing his look. She also gives him a car and a comfortable room in her house. Babar quickly adjusts to his new life, learning to drive, eat at restaurants, and attend parties. The old lady teaches him manners and helps him fit into human society, showing him a world of culture he never knew.

  4. Babar's Education and Enjoyment

    With the old lady's help, Babar thrives in the city. He learns to read and write, takes lessons, and develops a taste for human customs. He enjoys shopping, going to concerts, and visiting museums. He becomes popular among the old lady's friends, who like his gentle nature and elegant clothes. Babar values the old lady's company and the rich experiences the city offers, finding a new sense of belonging after his initial trauma.

  5. Family Reunion

    One day, while in the park, Babar is happy to find his cousins, Arthur and Celeste, who have left the forest to look for him. They are surprised by his change and his fashionable clothes. Babar is thrilled to be reunited with his family, but his cousins are at first confused by the city's complexities and his new life. This reunion brings joy and a slight tension between Babar's new sophisticated world and his wild origins, setting the stage for future choices.

  6. Sharing City Experiences

    Babar eagerly shares his city life with Arthur and Celeste. He takes them to shops to buy new clothes, though they are hesitant to wear them. He shows them around the city, explaining the sights and sounds. While Arthur and Celeste are interested in some things, they also find the city overwhelming and miss the freedom of the forest. Babar tries to connect their wild upbringing with his new sophistication, enjoying their company but sensing their desire for home.

  7. The Call of the Wild

    Despite the city's comforts, Babar and his cousins feel a strong pull back to their natural home. The old lady, understanding their longing, agrees it is time for them to return to the forest. She helps them prepare for their journey, giving them gifts and supplies. This decision shows Babar's inner conflict between his two worlds and his choice to embrace his origins, while still using what he learned in the city.

  8. Return to the Forest

    Babar, Arthur, and Celeste say goodbye to the old lady and start their journey back to the forest. They travel by train, then on foot, eager to rejoin their herd. The trip back is full of anticipation and a feeling of returning home. When they arrive, the other elephants are amazed to see Babar, alive and elegantly dressed. Their return is a big event, bringing a new dynamic to the elephant community.

  9. The King's Demise

    Soon after Babar's return, the old King of the Elephants, who had ruled for many years, becomes ill. Despite the other elephants' efforts to comfort him, he dies peacefully. His death leaves a gap in the community, and the elephants mourn their leader. This event creates a need for a new leader, setting the stage for Babar's unexpected rise to power.

  10. Babar Crowned King

    After the old King's death, the elephants meet to choose a successor. An old elephant suggests that Babar, having lived among humans and learned so much, would be an excellent king. He is wise, well-dressed, and understands both their world and the human world. The other elephants agree, recognizing his unique skills. Babar, though surprised, accepts the responsibility, and a crown and royal robe are brought for him. He is named Babar, King of the Elephants.

  11. The Wedding of Babar and Celeste

    As King, Babar first marries his cousin, Celeste. The wedding is a big celebration, attended by all the elephants, who are happy for their new King and Queen. The old lady, Babar's human friend, also comes to the forest to see the event, bringing gifts and her blessings. This marriage strengthens Babar's leadership and begins a new period for the elephant kingdom, mixing tradition with the ideas Babar brings from the city.

  12. A New Era for the Elephants

    With Celeste as his Queen, Babar starts to govern the elephants. He uses the knowledge and organizational skills he gained in the city to improve their lives. He sets up laws, builds a city for elephants called Celesteville (though this is mainly in later books, his leadership starts here), and introduces new customs that combine the best of both worlds. The elephants do well under his rule, and the forest becomes a more civilized and prosperous place, guided by their wise King.

The Story of Babar Characters

Babar

Protagonist

A young elephant who becomes king after experiencing human civilization.

Babar is initially a carefree young elephant living in the forest. After the tragic death of his mother, he flees to the city, where he is taken in by a kind old lady. He is curious, intelligent, and adaptable, quickly learning human customs, manners, and skills. He develops a refined taste and a sophisticated demeanor, but never loses his gentle nature or his love for his elephant family. His experiences in the city equip him with the wisdom and leadership qualities necessary to rule his kingdom.

Relationships: Babar's Mother (Loving parent, tragically lost); The Old Lady (Benefactor, mentor, surrogate mother); Arthur (Cousin, playmate); Celeste (Cousin, playmate, later wife and Queen); The Hunter (Antagonist, cause of initial trauma)

Babar's Mother

Supporting

Babar's loving parent, whose death drives the initial plot.

Babar's mother is a caring and protective figure, shown enjoying life with her son in the idyllic forest. Her presence establishes Babar's happy childhood and the natural order of the elephant world. Her sudden and violent death at the hands of a hunter is the catalyst for Babar's journey, forcing him to leave his home and confront the dangers of the world. Though her role is brief, her loss profoundly shapes Babar's early experiences and motivations.

Relationships: Babar (Son, deeply loved)

The Old Lady

Supporting

Babar's human benefactor in the city.

The old lady is a kind, wealthy, and compassionate woman who discovers Babar in the city. She takes him into her home, provides him with clothes, education, and exposure to human culture. She acts as a surrogate mother and mentor, guiding his transformation into a sophisticated individual. Her generosity and wisdom are crucial to Babar's development, and she remains a supportive friend even after he returns to the forest. She represents the positive aspects of human civilization.

Relationships: Babar (Benefactor, mentor, surrogate mother); Her friends (Social acquaintances)

Arthur

Supporting

Babar's adventurous cousin.

Arthur is one of Babar's cousins and a playmate from the forest. He is adventurous and curious, eventually venturing into the city with Celeste to find Babar. While fascinated by the city, he, like Celeste, retains a strong connection to their natural home. He represents the wild, untamed aspect of elephant life that Babar eventually integrates with his learned sophistication. His presence reinforces Babar's family ties and the call of the forest.

Relationships: Babar (Cousin, playmate); Celeste (Cousin, playmate)

Celeste

Supporting

Babar's cousin, playmate, and later his Queen.

Celeste is Babar's cousin and childhood playmate. She accompanies Arthur to the city to find Babar, sharing in the wonder and occasional bewilderment of human civilization. She is gentle and loving, representing the continuity of Babar's past. Upon their return to the forest, she becomes Babar's wife and Queen, symbolizing the successful integration of Babar's two worlds and providing him with a partner in his reign. She embodies grace and tradition within the new kingdom.

Relationships: Babar (Cousin, playmate, later wife and Queen); Arthur (Cousin, playmate)

The Hunter

Antagonist

The cruel figure who kills Babar's mother.

The hunter is a brief but pivotal character who embodies the arbitrary cruelty of the human world towards nature. He appears only to kill Babar's mother, instigating Babar's flight from the forest. He is not given any dialogue or further development, serving purely as a catalyst for the plot and a symbol of the dangers inherent in the wild. His actions represent the initial trauma that sets Babar on his transformative journey.

Relationships: Babar's Mother (Victim); Babar (Cause of trauma)

The Old King of the Elephants

Supporting

The venerable ruler whose death paves the way for Babar's ascension.

The Old King of the Elephants is a wise and respected leader of the elephant herd. His presence signifies the established order and tradition within the forest community. His natural death, occurring shortly after Babar's return, creates a leadership vacuum. This event is crucial as it allows the other elephants to consider a new kind of leader, one with Babar's unique experiences. He represents the passing of an old era and the need for new leadership.

Relationships: The Elephant Herd (Respected ruler)

The Story of Babar Themes

Loss and Resilience

The story begins with Babar losing his mother, an event that forces him to leave home. This initial tragedy shows loss, especially for a young creature. However, Babar shows great resilience by adapting to a new environment—the city—and embracing new experiences. His ability to overcome grief and fear, helped by the old lady's kindness, highlights the theme of recovering from hardship and finding new paths. This resilience is key to his eventual success as a leader.

“Poor Babar! He is very sad. He wanders for a long time in the forest, then he meets a kind old lady.”
Narrator

The Clash and Integration of Civilizations

A main theme is the contrast between the wild world of elephants and the cultured world of humans. Babar's trip to the city, his adoption of human customs (clothes, education, manners), and his return to the forest show the tension and possible harmony between these two 'civilizations.' He does not give up his elephant identity but instead combines human knowledge with it, creating a unique leadership style for his elephant kingdom. This theme explores what 'civilized' means and how different cultures can enrich each other.

“He puts on his fine new clothes and takes a walk. He is very proud.”
Narrator

Growth and Transformation

Babar changes significantly throughout the story. He starts as an innocent, wild elephant and becomes a refined, educated individual ready for leadership. His city experiences broaden his view and give him skills he could not have learned in the forest. This theme shows the importance of learning, adapting, and embracing new experiences for personal growth. His change is not just external (clothes) but deeply internal, affecting his character and abilities, leading to his wise rule.

“Now Babar has become a very accomplished elephant.”
Narrator

Leadership and Responsibility

Babar's journey leads him to become the King of the Elephants. His unique experiences in the human world are why he is chosen for the role, as he brings a new perspective and ability for organization and progress. This theme explores what makes a good leader: wisdom, compassion, the ability to learn, and a vision for the community's well-being. Babar's acceptance of the crown shows his acceptance of responsibility, not just for himself but for his entire herd, promising a new era of leadership.

“He is very intelligent and has learned so much among men that he will make an excellent king.”
An old elephant

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Journey of Initiation

Babar's physical and metaphorical journey from innocence to wisdom.

Babar's flight from the forest to the city, and then back again, serves as a classic journey of initiation. He leaves the familiar world (innocence), faces trials (loss, adaptation to the city), gains knowledge and experience, and returns transformed to lead his community. This device allows for his character development and the introduction of new settings and ideas. It's a rite of passage that prepares him for his eventual role as king, symbolizing the transition from childhood to responsible adulthood.

Anthropomorphism

Animals exhibiting human characteristics and societal structures.

The entire premise relies on anthropomorphism, where elephants are depicted with human-like emotions, societal structures, and the ability to learn and adapt to human culture. Babar wears clothes, drives cars, learns to read, and eventually rules a kingdom. This device allows the author to explore themes of civilization, culture, and leadership through the accessible and charming lens of animal characters, making complex ideas understandable for a young audience and adding a layer of fantasy to the narrative.

The Mentor Figure (The Old Lady)

A wise guide who facilitates the protagonist's growth.

The old lady acts as a crucial mentor figure for Babar. She provides him with shelter, education, and guidance in the human world. Without her intervention, Babar would likely have struggled or failed to adapt to city life. Her role is to impart knowledge, foster his development, and ultimately prepare him for his future responsibilities, even though she is not an elephant. She represents benevolent guidance and the positive influence of an experienced figure on a young, impressionable protagonist.

The Story of Babar Quotes

“In the great forest a little elephant was born. His name was Babar.”
Introduction of the main character, Babar, and his origin in the forest.
“He was a very happy little elephant.”
Describing Babar's initial state of contentment in the forest.
“A hunter kills Babar's mother.”
The tragic event of Babar's mother being shot by a hunter, leading to his escape.
“Babar runs away, far into the forest, until he comes to a big city.”
Babar's journey of escape and discovery as he flees the forest and finds a city.
“He is very surprised. How different it is from the forest!”
Babar's initial reaction upon seeing the city for the first time.
“A kind Old Lady sees him. She understands that he is longing for his mother.”
The Old Lady's immediate empathy towards Babar in the city.
“She gives him money to buy some fine clothes and a motorcar.”
The Old Lady's generosity, enabling Babar to adopt human customs.
“Babar goes to the best tailor in the city.”
Babar's first step in adapting to city life by getting new clothes.
“He has grown up. He is no longer a little elephant.”
Babar's maturation and change in status after living in the city.
“He returns to the forest and finds his cousins Arthur and Celeste.”
Babar's return to his origins and reunion with his family.
“The Old Lady comes to live with Babar in the forest.”
The Old Lady joining Babar in the forest, showing their bond.
“Cornelius says, 'Long live Babar the King!'”
The elephants' decision to crown Babar as their king.
“Babar is married to his cousin Celeste.”
Babar's marriage, establishing his royal lineage and family.
“They have four children, Pom, Flora, Alexander, and Isabelle.”
The birth of Babar and Celeste's children, continuing the family line.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What event immediately precedes Babar's decision to leave the forest and go to the city?

    1. He gets lost during a game of hide-and-seek.
    2. His mother is shot by a hunter.
    3. He has a fight with another young elephant.
    4. He is curious about the world beyond the forest.
    Show answer

    B. His mother is shot by a hunter. Babar's mother is tragically shot by a hunter, which prompts him to flee the forest out of fear and sadness.

  2. Question 2

    Who is the first person Babar encounters and befriends in the big city?

    1. A kind baker
    2. An old lady
    3. A zookeeper
    4. A friendly dog
    Show answer

    B. An old lady Upon arriving in the city, Babar is approached by an kind old lady who takes an interest in him and helps him adapt.

  3. Question 3

    What item of clothing does Babar purchase that makes him feel very elegant and grown-up?

    1. A pair of shiny shoes
    2. A bright red hat
    3. A beautiful green suit
    4. A striped tie
    Show answer

    C. A beautiful green suit With the old lady's help, Babar buys a fashionable green suit and a bowler hat, which makes him feel very sophisticated.

  4. Question 4

    What causes Babar to decide to return to the great forest from the city?

    1. He runs out of money and can no longer afford city life.
    2. He receives a letter from his cousins, Arthur and Celeste.
    3. He becomes homesick for the wild and natural environment.
    4. The old lady tells him it's time to go back.
    Show answer

    B. He receives a letter from his cousins, Arthur and Celeste. Babar's cousins, Arthur and Celeste, arrive in the city and tell him that the King of the Elephants has died from eating a bad mushroom, prompting his return.

  5. Question 5

    What specific item do the elephants in the forest suggest Babar needs to wear to become their king?

    1. A golden crown
    2. A royal cape
    3. A magnificent green suit
    4. Special ceremonial sandals
    Show answer

    C. A magnificent green suit The elephants, impressed by his city attire, decide that Babar's elegant green suit makes him suitable to be their king.

  6. Question 6

    What is a key theme explored through Babar's journey from the forest to the city and back?

    1. The dangers of the urban environment.
    2. The importance of material wealth.
    3. The blend of nature and civilization, and the benefits of education.
    4. The superiority of animal instincts over human intellect.
    Show answer

    C. The blend of nature and civilization, and the benefits of education. Babar's journey highlights how experiences and learning from different environments (city vs. forest) can lead to growth and leadership, blending aspects of nature with the refinements of civilization.

  7. Question 7

    After Babar becomes king, what is one of his first acts to improve the lives of the other elephants?

    1. He builds a new palace for himself.
    2. He orders everyone to wear clothes.
    3. He plans a grand city for elephants and organizes a wedding.
    4. He declares war on the hunters.
    Show answer

    C. He plans a grand city for elephants and organizes a wedding. As king, Babar immediately begins planning a city for elephants and decides to marry his cousin, Celeste, which also brings joy and order to the elephant community.

  8. Question 8

    What specific item does Babar use to help him study and learn in the city?

    1. A chalkboard and chalk.
    2. A set of encyclopedias.
    3. A notebook and pen.
    4. Flashcards.
    Show answer

    C. A notebook and pen. The illustrations show Babar diligently studying with a notebook and pen, learning to read and write under the guidance of the old lady.

  9. Question 9

    How does the author, Jean de Brunhoff, visually represent Babar's transformation from a wild elephant to a civilized one?

    1. By showing his tusks growing longer and more impressive.
    2. Through his adoption of human clothing and learning human customs.
    3. By depicting him walking on two legs instead of four.
    4. By making him physically larger and more imposing.
    Show answer

    B. Through his adoption of human clothing and learning human customs. The most prominent visual representation of Babar's transformation is his acquisition and wearing of human clothes, particularly his green suit, and his engagement with human activities like driving and studying.

  10. Question 10

    What is the primary reason the other elephants choose Babar as their new king, despite his youth?

    1. He is the strongest and largest elephant in the herd.
    2. He is the only one who can communicate with humans.
    3. His experiences in the city have made him wise and cultured, offering new ideas for their community.
    4. He inherited the throne from his deceased mother.
    Show answer

    C. His experiences in the city have made him wise and cultured, offering new ideas for their community. The elephants are impressed by Babar's new clothes, his knowledge from the city, and his refined manners, believing these qualities make him an ideal leader to guide them.

The Story of Babar FAQ

What is the central premise of 'The Story of Babar'?

The story follows a young elephant named Babar who experiences a profound loss when his mother is shot by a hunter. He flees the jungle, venturing into a human city where he is befriended by an Old Lady. She helps him adapt to urban life, teaching him manners, dressing him in fine clothes, and providing him with money and a car, before he eventually returns to his jungle home.

Who is the Old Lady and what role does she play in Babar's journey?

The Old Lady is a wealthy and kind human woman who encounters Babar in the city. She becomes his benefactor and mentor, providing him with a home, education, and the means to thrive in human society. Her generosity and guidance are crucial in Babar's transformation from a wild elephant to a sophisticated individual.

How does Babar become king of the elephants?

Upon returning to the forest, Babar finds his elephant family and friends in distress. The King of the elephants has died from eating a poisonous mushroom, and the other elephants are looking for a new leader. Recognizing Babar's wisdom, experience, and the fine clothes he wears, Cornelius suggests he be crowned king, a decision the other elephants enthusiastically support.

What are some of the key differences between Babar's life in the city and his life in the jungle?

In the city, Babar adopts human customs: he wears suits, drives a car, lives in a house, and learns to navigate urban society. In the jungle, he lives a more natural, communal life with his fellow elephants, although he brings his learned sophistication and leadership skills to his new role as king. The contrast highlights his unique hybrid identity.

What significant event prompts Babar to leave the jungle?

Babar leaves the jungle after witnessing the tragic death of his mother, who is shot by a hunter. This traumatic event forces him to flee for his own safety and embark on an unknown journey, leading him to the human city.

What specific item from the city does Babar bring back to the jungle that influences his kingship?

Babar brings back his elegant green suit and bowler hat, which become symbols of his sophistication and authority. When Cornelius suggests Babar become king, he specifically points to Babar's 'fine clothes' as a sign of his preparedness and wisdom, distinguishing him from the other elephants.

Are there any subtle hints about the Old Lady's wealth or status in the city?

Yes, the narrative subtly indicates her wealth through her ability to provide Babar with abundant money, a new car, and a comfortable home without apparent financial strain. Her immediate generosity and the ease with which she supports Babar suggest a significant degree of affluence.

What is the significance of the poisonous mushroom that kills the old King?

The poisonous mushroom serves as a convenient plot device to create a vacancy for the kingship, allowing Babar to ascend to the throne upon his return. It highlights the unpredictability of nature and provides a clear narrative reason for the elephants to seek a new leader.

How does Babar's initial grief and trauma from his mother's death manifest, and how does he cope?

Babar's initial grief is shown through his immediate flight and fear, running 'for many days' to escape the hunter. He copes by immersing himself in the new experiences of the city and accepting the Old Lady's care, effectively finding a new 'family' and purpose that helps him move past the immediate trauma.

What psychological impact does Babar's transformation from wild elephant to sophisticated gentleman have on his identity?

Babar develops a dual identity, integrating his natural elephant instincts with learned human sophistication. This transformation gives him confidence and a broadened perspective, enabling him to lead his people not just with strength, but with wisdom and an understanding of different ways of life. He becomes a cultural bridge.

How does the story implicitly address the concept of cultural assimilation through Babar's experience?

Babar's journey is a clear example of cultural assimilation, as he adopts human language, dress, customs, and even a mode of transport. However, he doesn't fully abandon his origins; instead, he integrates these new learnings with his elephant heritage, suggesting a successful merging rather than complete erasure of his original culture.

What psychological needs does the Old Lady fulfill for Babar?

The Old Lady fulfills Babar's needs for safety, belonging, and guidance after the loss of his mother. She provides a sense of security, unconditional care, and acts as a surrogate maternal figure, helping him navigate a new and bewildering world and fostering his development.

Is Babar's decision to return to the jungle an act of loyalty or a desire for leadership?

It appears to be a combination of both. His return is prompted by a longing for his family and friends, indicating loyalty. However, his acceptance of the kingship suggests a readiness to lead, utilizing the wisdom and experience gained in the city to benefit his community.

How can the ending, with Babar becoming king, be interpreted in terms of colonial themes?

Some interpretations suggest colonial undertones, where Babar, having adopted 'superior' Western customs, returns to 'civilize' his own people. His 'fine clothes' and city knowledge are seen as qualifications for leadership, implying that exposure to human culture makes him a better ruler than those who remained in the jungle.

Does the story advocate for nature over nurture, or vice versa, in Babar's development?

The story leans towards the transformative power of nurture. While Babar starts in nature, his significant development and leadership qualities are largely shaped by his experiences in the city under the Old Lady's guidance. He combines his innate elephant nature with acquired human traits.

What is the symbolic meaning of Babar's green suit and bowler hat?

The green suit and bowler hat symbolize Babar's acquired sophistication, wisdom, and his unique blend of two worlds. They mark his transition from a wild animal to a cultured being, and ultimately become emblems of his authority and regal status among his fellow elephants.

How does the book's portrayal of the hunter contribute to its overall message?

The hunter is a stark, almost faceless antagonist, representing a dangerous and destructive force from the human world. His act of killing Babar's mother introduces themes of loss and vulnerability, but also serves as the catalyst for Babar's transformative journey, making him a necessary, albeit tragic, plot element.

Is the Old Lady's role entirely benevolent, or can it be seen as imposing human values on Babar?

While her actions are presented as benevolent and kind, one could argue she imposes human values and a specific lifestyle on Babar. She dresses him, gives him money, and teaches him human etiquette, essentially shaping him into a 'civilized' being according to human standards, rather than allowing him to remain in his natural state.

About the author

Jean de Brunhoff

Jean de Brunhoff

Jean de Brunhoff was a French author and illustrator best known for creating the beloved children's character Babar the Elephant. His most notable work, "The Story of Babar," introduces readers to Babar's adventures and has become a classic in children's literature. De Brunhoff's stories often explore themes of family, adventure, and the importance of kindness.

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