Babar and the Ghost

Publishers Weekly

That 12-year-old boy grew up to create some Babar books of his own. In Babar and the Ghost by Laurent de Brunhoff, first published in 1981, the pachyderm and family meet a friendly spirit in a haunted castle. But only the children can see him. Pom, Flora and Alexander find a reclusive forest animal in Babar and the Wully-Wully (1975) also by Laurent de Brunhoff. When they bring it home to Celesteville, Rataxes the rhino captures him for his own. Fortunately, Flora finds a peaceful solution. (Oct.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature

Babar and his family are hiking all the way to the Black Castle. As they approach the castle a storm develops. Despite Cornelius's warning, Babar and the others proceed to take shelter in the castle. The children have great fun exploring the castle and discover a ghost. They tell Babar about the ghost, which he says doesn't exist. They all spend the night in the castle, but the children can't sleep and go to find the ghost again. They become great friends and the ghost even follows them home. The joke is on the adults, because they can't see the ghost. But that doesn't keep him from causing a lot of trouble. The kids fondly bid the ghost good-bye when Babar orders him back to the castle. The book is full of those familiar illustrations we all love. 2001 (orig. 1981), Harry N. Abrams, $16.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer:Kristin Harris