Babar's French Lessons by Laurent de Brunhoff - 1963 Edition

The loveable little elephant who has endeared himself to children all over the world for more than a quarter of a century now gives his young American friends some French lessons...

{HISTORY}

Bonjour Babar!

Everybody's favorite elephant of the 20th century is back in the shop with a little language lesson straight from 1963. Don't worry, this is no dull school book. Here in Babar's French Lessons, Babar introduces readers to all sorts of daily adventures that any kid might find of interest. There are picnics and playtimes, a tour of the house, a seashore vacation, a birthday party, and lots of meals sure to make a French fan out of anyone.

Created by Jean and Cecile de Brunhoff as a bedtime story for their children, Babar has been entertaining readers of all ages since the 1930s. If you are unfamiliar with the loveable grey guy, Babar debuted in the children's literary world as an African elephant who left the jungle and wound up in France, where he experienced all sorts of interesting adventures.

Tragedy struck the de Brunhoff family when Jean died unexpectedly of tuberculosis at the young age of 37. At this point, there had just been a handful of Babar books published. All of which were instantly beloved by readers. Jean's son, Laurent, just a young teenager himself at the time of his dad's death, picked up where his dad left off in the Babar stories and continued the series faithfully for the rest of his life. Luckily, Laurent had a natural talent for writing and illustration just like his dad, but his real inspiration for keeping Babar going was a tribute to both his mom and dad and the stories they told when he was young. 

Thankfully, thanks to Laurent, Babar continued to entertain kiddos with a multitude of adventures spanning 60 books. This one is extra special because it includes a recipe for chocolate cake, or as Babar would have us say, un gateau au chocolat. 

Whether you are planning a trip to France for the summer and want to parlez-vous with the best of them or you want to share a new language with your little one, you can’t go wrong with Babar and the gang as your teacher. 

Now, whose ready to make some cake?!

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Hardcover

- Fully illustrated throughout with the signature bright colors favored by the de Brunhoff family

- Decorated endpapers

- There are 14 language lessons total  

- Published by Random House, 1963

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. There is some slight rubbing to the corners and edges of the spine, as expected with age and love. There are two very light colored pencil marks on the first lesson page in the margin of the first lesson. All the other interior pages are very clean and unmarked, with the exception of two light stains at the top of the page on the lesson detailing the birthday party.  The spine is tight, and all pages are intact. 

{SIZE}

Measures 8.25" inches (width) x 11"inches (length) x .5" inches (thickness) and weighs just a smidge over 1 lb. 

{FOR THE COLLECTOR}

Looking for more classic children's books? Find them here.