Overview
- 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.