Babar: King of the Elephants facts for kids

Babar: King of the Elephants is a fun animated movie that came out in 1998. It was made by Nelvana Limited, Home Made Movies, and TMO-Loonland. This film was shown in cinemas in Canada first. Later, HBO Home Video released it for people to watch at home in the United States.

The movie's story is based on the famous book series by Jean de Brunhoff. It's the second movie about Babar, following Babar: The Movie from 1989. It also takes ideas from the HBO television series, which was popular from 1989 to 1991.

What's the Story About?

The movie begins with birds singing "The Ancient Song of the Elephants." A stork named Marabou explains that elephants have forgotten what the song means. But the birds remember! Marabou then starts telling the story of Babar, right from when he was born.

Babar's Early Life

Babar grows up happily in the Great Forest. He is cared for by his loving mother. He plays with his friends, Arthur and Celeste, and other young elephants. One sad day, while walking with Babar, his mother is lost. Babar has to run away. After many days of walking alone, he finds a big city, like Paris.

Life in the City

Babar has an exciting day exploring the city. He tries new things, like eating ice cream for the first time. He even tries to order food at a restaurant! People are surprised to see an elephant in the city. He meets a kind old lady named Madame. She gives him money to buy proper clothes. Babar gets a bright green suit, a red bow tie, and a bowler hat. Madame invites Babar to live with her. She teaches him many things, like math and how to drive. Babar enjoys his new life. But he sometimes misses his friends and his mother in the Great Forest.

Returning Home

Two years later, Babar is walking with Madame. He is shocked to find Arthur and Celeste! They left the Great Forest to find him. The three friends have a fun day, just like Babar's first day in the city. But then Celeste's mother and another adult elephant arrive. They were looking for the young elephants. They are so happy to see Babar, who they thought was gone. They tell him that the King of the Elephants has died. The elephants are now in trouble. The rhinoceroses have started a war against them because Arthur and the other young elephants played pranks. That evening, Madame and Babar decide it's time for him to go home.

Becoming King

Babar returns to the Great Forest. He reunites with his old friend Cornelius and all the elephants. Meanwhile, Lord Rataxes, the rhino leader, prepares for war. Babar comes up with a clever plan. He paints monster faces on the elephants' backsides. Then, he has them walk backward towards the rhinos. The plan works! The rhino troops get scared and run away. Babar then makes Arthur apologize to Lord Rataxes. This brings peace back to the jungle. Because of his smart idea and bravery, Babar is asked to be the new King of the Elephants. He agrees, but only if Celeste will be his Queen. She says yes!

Building Celesteville

As King, Babar wants to bring new ideas to the elephants. He wants to build a City of the Elephants. He brings Madame and lots of supplies to the Great Forest. Together with the elephants, they build huts with thatched roofs. They also build city buildings like a hospital, a theater, and a courthouse. As they are setting up roles for everyone, Celeste tells Babar she is going to have babies! She later gives birth to triplets: Flora, Pom, and Alexander.

Some problems start to happen in the new city. Madame gets bitten by a snake while protecting Zephir. Cornelius gets hurt when his hut catches fire. Celeste plans a picnic to cheer Babar up. But then, Alexander floats away in a basket on the lake! He is almost eaten by a crocodile and nearly drowns. Luckily, his parents save him. That night, Babar has a bad dream. But he wakes up to find Cornelius and Madame are getting better. The elephants celebrate their beautiful new city. Babar suggests a new name for it: Celesteville!

Who Are the Voices?

• Philip Williams ... Zephir (voice)
• Wayne Robson ... Marabou / Sales Manager (voice)
• Ellen-Ray Hennessy ... Babar's Mother / Misfortune (voice)
• Kristin Fairlie ... Young Babar (voice)
• Chris Wiggins ... Cornelius (voice)
• Jennifer Martini ... Young Celeste (voice)
• Kyle Fairlie ... Young Arthur / Alexander (voice)
• Elizabeth Hanna ... Madame (voice)
• Paul Paddick ... Elevator Boy / Tailor (voice)
• Dan Lett ... King Babar (voice)