Laurent de Brunhoff, the artist who continued his father's legacy by bringing Babar the elephant to life for nearly seven decades, passed away at the age of 98 at his home in Key West, Florida. Born in Paris, de Brunhoff was just 5 years old when his mother, Cecile de Brunhoff, first told the story of Babar to him and his brother Mathieu. Inspired by the tale, his father Jean de Brunhoff, an artist, began to sketch the character and create his adventures. Babar's journey from the jungle to Paris, where he was introduced to modern delights by a rich woman known as the Old Lady, captured the hearts of readers worldwide.

Despite the success of the Babar series, which sold millions of copies and was adapted into television programs and animated features, the books faced criticism for their portrayal of colonialist themes. Some critics argued that Babar's education in Paris and subsequent rule over an Africa-based kingdom perpetuated harmful stereotypes. De Brunhoff himself acknowledged the problematic aspects of some of the books, particularly "Babar's Picnic," which included crude caricatures of Black and Native American characters. He later asked his publisher to withdraw the publication.

De Brunhoff's dedication to Babar's legacy extended beyond his own lifetime, as he continued to publish new works in the series, including the 2017 release "Babar's Guide to Paris." Despite the controversy surrounding the character, de Brunhoff remained steadfast in his belief that Babar was a reflection of himself, stating, "Babar, c'est moi" ("that's me"). His passing marks the end of an era for fans of the beloved elephant-king, whose adventures have captivated readers of all ages for generations.