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Babar the King

Having found fertile land, Babar builds Celesteville, a well-organized society with a Palace of Work and a Palace of Pleasure. Everyone has a job; for example, Hatchibombotar waters the streets with his motor watercart.

Little Zephir and Arthur go to school--and Arthur, being a child, announces that three times three is eight. Zephir agrees. Having been corrected, Zephir remarks on the number nine: "It's like CAT-O-NINE TAILS!" Because this *is* what a little boy would think of.

In the final pages, Jean de Brunhoff seems to recall that he needs a problem or conflict, so he has Zephir touch a "strange-looking stick." The stick is in fact a snake, and it bites Babar's friend, "the old lady." Meanwhile, Cornelius, an elderly elephant, falls into unconsciousness when his house catches fire.

Jean the moralist focuses on Babar. In a fitful sleep, Babar finds himself caught up in a dream. Misfortune, Disease, Stupidity--all scary alligators--surround Babar. But then friendly elephants appear: Hope, Intelligence, Courage, Patience. These elephants drive the gators away. Whatever happens to Cornelius, Babar will live under the tutelage of Goodness, Joy, Health, Love, Knowledge, et al.

Of course the old lady and Cornelius turn out to be fine.

It's nice to imagine Jean with his children, narrating Babar's wacky dream, perhaps in trying times. I'm still a fan.
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