Cécile de Brunhoff facts for kids

Cécile de Brunhoff (born Cécile Sabouraud) was a French storyteller and a talented classical pianist. Born on October 16, 1903, she is best known for creating the original idea for the famous character, Babar the Elephant. She passed away on April 7, 2003, in Paris, France.

How Babar the Elephant Began

The beloved Babar books started as a special bedtime story. Cécile de Brunhoff made it up for her sons, Mathieu and Laurent. They were just four and five years old at the time. She told them the story to comfort Mathieu, who was feeling sick.

The boys loved the tale of a little elephant who left the jungle. He traveled to a big city that sounded a lot like Paris. They enjoyed the story so much that they shared it with their father, Jean de Brunhoff. He was a painter and they asked him to draw pictures for it.

From Story to Book

Jean de Brunhoff turned Cécile's story into a picture book. It included both the words and his drawings. A family publishing company, Le jardin des modes, published the book.

Originally, the book was going to say it was "told by Jean and Cécile de Brunhoff." However, Cécile asked for her name to be removed. Her son Mathieu explained that she was very modest. She felt her part in creating the story was small.

Despite her modesty, many people still recognize Cécile as the true creator of the Babar story. Her imaginative tale was the start of everything.

The Babar Legacy Continues

After the first book, Cécile's husband, Jean, wrote and illustrated six more Babar children's books. These books helped make the series famous all over the world.

Later, Cécile's son, Laurent de Brunhoff, continued the family tradition. He has written and illustrated many more Babar books. This means the wonderful stories of Babar the Elephant have been shared with children for generations.