BABAR AND THE WULLY-WULLY (Hb) - Tapa dura

Beginning in Spring 2001, Abrams began to reissue the backlist of original Laurent de Brunhoff Babar stories. For Fall 2001, Abrams presents Babar and the Ghost and Babar and the Wully-Wully. Both books are reproduced from the original artwork. Babar and the Wully-Wully, originally published in 1975, brings a lovable companion and pet to the children of Celesteville. Everyone in the country of the elephants is delighted by the unusual creature. But when Babar's family takes Wully-Wully to the country for a picnic, the little pet attracts the attention of Rataxes the rhinoceros. Wully-Wully is snatched away from the children and trapped in the city of the rhinos. Arthur and Zephir rescue Wully-Wully in a daring mission, only to have him stolen again in a mad rhino stampede! In the face of a war between the elephants and the rhinos, Flora bravely visits Rataxes-all alone. She convinces him to free the Wully-Wully so that everyone can enjoy the rare creature. This story teaches children that sharing with others brings new friends and adventures.

Laurent de Brunhoff has been illustrating the Babar books since 1946, after his father, Jean de Brunhoff, illustrated the first titles a decade before. Since that time, he has created over thirty Babar books that have thrilled children around the world. He splits his time living in Key West, Florida, New York City, and Connecticut.