Cecile de Brunhoff, French pianist and author (b. 1903)

Cécile de Brunhoff, born Cécile Sabouraud on October 16, 1903, and living a long, creative life until April 7, 2003, was a remarkably talented French woman known not only for her classical piano skills but, more significantly, as the creative mind behind the beloved character of Babar the Elephant. Her inventive spirit laid the foundation for one of the most enduring and cherished series in children's literature, a legacy that began with a simple act of maternal comfort.

The Bedtime Story That Started It All

The tale of Babar originated, as many magical stories do, in the intimate setting of a child's bedroom. It was in 1930 that Cécile de Brunhoff found herself spinning a spontaneous narrative for her two young sons, Mathieu and Laurent, then aged four and five respectively. Mathieu was unwell, and his mother sought to soothe him with an imaginative diversion. What emerged was the enchanting story of a young elephant who, after a tragic encounter with a hunter, flees his familiar jungle home and embarks on an extraordinary adventure to a bustling city – a metropolis clearly inspired by the elegance and grandeur of Paris. This charming narrative, filled with wonder and a touch of melancholy, instantly captivated her children.

From Imagination to Illustration: The Birth of a Book

So enamored were Mathieu and Laurent with their mother's impromptu creation that their enthusiasm spilled over to their father, Jean de Brunhoff. Jean was a gifted painter, and the boys eagerly presented him with their mother's story, pleading for him to bring the little elephant's world to life through his art. Jean, recognizing the unique charm and potential of the narrative, embraced the challenge. He not only illustrated the story but also penned the accompanying text, transforming Cécile's oral tale into the now-iconic picture book, Histoire de Babar, le petit éléphant. This inaugural volume was published by Éditions du Jardin des Modes, a family-run publishing house, allowing the creative collaboration to remain within the family circle.

A Humble Creator: Cécile's Uncredited Role

Interestingly, despite her foundational role, Cécile de Brunhoff chose to remain largely uncredited in the initial publication. Originally, the book's title page was intended to bear both Jean's and Cécile's names, acknowledging their joint contribution. However, driven by a deep sense of modesty and a belief that her part in the creation was minor compared to her husband's artistic and literary efforts, Cécile requested her name be removed. Her son Mathieu later confirmed this decision stemmed from her humility. Nevertheless, the genesis of Babar unequivocally lies with Cécile. For this reason, many literary historians and readers alike continue to rightfully recognize her as the primary storyteller and true creator of the original Babar narrative.

The Enduring World of Babar: A Family Tradition

The success of the first Babar book spurred a global phenomenon. Jean de Brunhoff went on to write and illustrate six more Babar children's books, which solidified the series' popularity and established Babar as a beloved character worldwide. After Jean's untimely passing, the family tradition was lovingly carried on by their son, Laurent de Brunhoff, who continued to write and illustrate new adventures for Babar, ensuring the elephant king's tales charmed successive generations of children across the globe. Thus, what began as a mother's tender gesture to comfort a sick child evolved into a lasting literary dynasty, a testament to Cécile de Brunhoff's imaginative spark.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cécile de Brunhoff and Babar

Who originally created the story of Babar?

Cécile de Brunhoff (née Sabouraud) is widely credited as the original storyteller and creator of the Babar narrative. She invented the tale as a bedtime story for her children.

Why isn't Cécile de Brunhoff's name on the first Babar books?

Despite her foundational role, Cécile de Brunhoff chose to have her name removed from the original publication. According to her son Mathieu, this was due to her modesty and her belief that her contribution was minor compared to her husband Jean's work in illustrating and writing the book.

What inspired the Babar story?

The story was spontaneously invented by Cécile de Brunhoff to comfort her sick son, Mathieu. It features a young elephant who leaves the jungle to experience life in a bustling city, drawing inspiration from Paris.

Who illustrated the first Babar book?

Cécile's husband, Jean de Brunhoff, a talented painter, illustrated the first Babar book after their children asked him to bring their mother's story to life visually.

Did Cécile de Brunhoff write other Babar books?

While Cécile de Brunhoff created the original story, her husband Jean de Brunhoff wrote and illustrated the subsequent six books that popularized the series. Their son, Laurent de Brunhoff, later continued the family tradition by writing and illustrating many more Babar adventures.