Babar the Elephant – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Babar the Elephant

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2006

62%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

An elephant in a suit tries to 'civilize' the jungle after a tragic start. It’s a classic, but it’s definitely showing its 1930s roots.

Babar the Elephant

book

2006

62%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

An elephant in a suit tries to 'civilize' the jungle after a tragic start. It’s a classic, but it’s definitely showing its 1930s roots.

4.6

Jump to

Also rated on

4.6

View →

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Babar is the ultimate 'grandparents' house' book. It's beautiful to look at, but the story is a total product of its time.

You've got a hunter killing the mom in the first few pages and a heavy-handed 'city life is better than the wild' vibe that hasn't aged particularly well. It’s not 'brain rot,' but it might be 'boredom rot' for a modern kid.

Read it for the art history, but maybe keep a more modern book nearby for when the colonialist subtext starts feeling a bit too heavy for your Tuesday night bedtime routine.

Age Fit

Best for ages 3 to 6. Younger kids will just like the elephant pictures; older kids will find the 'civilizing' plot weirdly stuffy or just plain boring.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It models some decent manners and community building, but the 'civilizing the savages' subtext is hard to ignore in 2026. Plus, the mom getting shot in the first few pages is a heavy start for a 'wholesome' vibe.

Imaginative

The idea of an elephant in a sharp green suit driving a car and living in a meticulously detailed elephant city is still visually striking and creative.

Safe

It's a book, so no hidden tech risks, but the mother's death by a hunter is blunt and potentially upsetting for toddlers. The colonialist undertones are the bigger 'safety' concern for parents wanting to avoid outdated worldviews.

Enriching

It offers a look at grief and leadership, but the 'European city life is superior to the jungle' message feels incredibly dated and lacks the nuance of modern children's literature.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The illustrations are iconic and have a quiet, vintage charm that modern CGI-style books lack.
It doesn't talk down to kids about grief; Babar loses his mom and has to figure out what's next.
Great for kids who love 'process' stories—watching Babar buy clothes and build a city is oddly satisfying.

⚠

What to Watch For

The mother's death happens abruptly on page two. Be ready for the 'Where did she go?' questions immediately.
The 'civilization vs. jungle' theme is basically Colonialism 101. You might want to skip the parts where 'naked' elephants are 'saved' by wearing suits.
It's slow. If your kid is used to the fast-paced humor of Mo Willems or Dog Man, this might feel like a chore.

Conversation Starters

"Why did Babar think he needed to wear clothes to be happy?"
"How did Babar feel when he had to leave his home in the jungle?"
"Do you think the elephants were happier in the city or in the wild?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic