Laurent de Brunhoff, Steward of 'Babar the Elephant' Legacy, Dies at 98

De Brunhoff expanded his father's beloved series into a global phenomenon, facing both acclaim and criticism.

Laurent de Brunhoff, the author and illustrator who expanded his father's 'Babar the Elephant' series into a global franchise, has died at 98.
De Brunhoff continued the Babar series after his father, Jean de Brunhoff, died of tuberculosis in 1937, adding more than 40 titles to the collection.
The Babar series, which began as a bedtime story by Laurent's mother, faced criticism for its colonialist themes and portrayal of African people in earlier titles.
De Brunhoff, a recipient of France's highest honors for artists, lived in the US with his wife, Phyllis Rose, who contributed to many later Babar books.
Babar's adventures, from ruling Celesteville to practicing yoga, have captivated generations, despite controversies over its colonialist allegories.