The Stamp Collectors Corner

How can you resist an adorable elephant dressed in a green suit?  It’s hard to believe that Babar, the world famous children’s book character turned 75 years old in 2006.  His birthday was marked by French officials with a postage stamp featuring none other than Babar himself holding his birthday cake.

The stories of Babar the elephant was originally dreamt up by Cecile de Brunhoff in 1931.  The stories were of an orphaned baby elephant who eventually became King.  The stories continued as Babar goes on to have his own children and taught them many of life’s valuable lessons. Jean de Brunhoff, who was Cecile’s husband, and an illustrator, expanded the stories into books that became very popular in France and then worldwide.  Sadly, only six books were published before he died of tuberculosis in 1937. 

In 1946, Laurent de Brunhoff, their son and heir to the Babar stories, decided to take over the storytelling of Babar.  He has continued to write delightful Babar books since then.  There was also an animated television series that showcased many of the wonderful Babar stories that so many children and adults have enjoyed.

Babar has not been without controversy though.  He has been called a racist, sexist, and oppressive over the years.  Some people are even upset that he has never changed his green suit!  Personally, I think he serves as a strong role model who is always there for his children.  Children should be allowed to enjoy the books and the Babar postage stamps too!

There were 12.5 million Babar 75th Birthday postage stamps printed in France and Stamp Center has some waiting just for you!