Babar's Museum of Art - Hardcover

Laurent De Brunhoff

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810945975 ISBN 13: 9780810945975

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2003

Synopsis

Babar and Celeste convert Celesteville's old railroad station into an art museum containing famous masterworks featuring elephants, in an all-new story which includes the basic ideas of art appreciation. 100,000 first printing.

About this title

Review:

On one of their weekly balloon flights over Celesteville, Babar and Celeste notice that the railroad station is standing empty. Elephants, it seems, now prefer cars over trains. Interestingly, although Babar comments on the roads "jammed with traffic," he and his queen decide to focus on the other issue--the abandoned station. Celeste comes up with an idea to turn it into a museum to house their art collection, and soon an architect is drawing up plans and workers are renovating the building. When the great day of the opening arrives, what a show! The royal couple had acquired some pretty impressive and well known works of art--all featuring elephants, of course. Laurent de Brunhoff outdoes himself with the real-life art-inspired paintings and sculptures, from Mary Cassatt’s "Mother and Child" to Edvard Munch’s "The Scream" to Leonardo da Vinci’s "Mona Lisa." Young art buffs will enjoy the very age-appropriate art appreciation lessons, as the children are encouraged! to say whatever they want about the art: "I like this picture because it’s red," says Arthur about Van Gogh’s "Self-Portrait." When pedantic Cornelius tries to pontificate, Celeste gently hushes him. Includes a free pull-out poster. (Ages 4 to 7) --Emilie Coulter

About the Author:

Laurent de Brunhoff has kept the spirit of Babar alive for more than 50 years. Building upon his father's original framework, Laurent has gone on to create more than 30 books about Babar that have made both his and his character's name recognized and beloved around the world.

About this edition

• Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0810945975
• ISBN 13: 9780810945975
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 48