Laurent de Brunhoff, the French artist who continued his father’s legacy by nurturing the beloved elephant named Babar for almost seven decades, passed away at the age of 98 in Key West, Fla. on Friday.
The cause of death was complications from a stroke, according to his wife, Phyllis Rose.
Babar’s story began in 1930 when Laurent and his brother Mathieu were captivated by their mother’s tale of an orphaned baby elephant named Babar who fled the jungle to Paris. Their father, Jean de Brunhoff, an artist, brought this story to life through sketches and adventures of Babar.
In the adventures, Babar is rescued in Paris by a wealthy woman known as the Old Lady, who introduces him to modern wonders. Babar’s journey includes visits to a department store, driving a car, and receiving an education. However, he longs for his past life and eventually returns to the jungle with his cousins Arthur and Celeste.
Upon returning, Babar is crowned the new king of the elephants due to his modernity and appoints Celeste as his queen.
Laurent de Brunhoff continued his father’s work by completing the last two books after Jean’s death in 1937. He went on to write and illustrate over 45 more Babar books, maintaining the essence and world of Babar that his father had created.
Laurent de Brunhoff’s dedication to Babar led to the character’s enduring popularity, with critics comparing his work to renowned painters like Henri Rousseau. His stories, translated into numerous languages, have entertained and taught children around the world, embodying a message of nonviolence.
Laurent de Brunhoff’s last book, “Babar’s Guide to Paris,” was published in 2017, continuing the legacy of the beloved elephant and his adventures.
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