Originally published in 1975, Babar and the Wully-Wully teaches young readers that sharing with others brings new friends and fun.

Babar and the Wully-Wully

ANNOTATION

THe children of Babar the elephant want to keep the Wully-Wully they find as a pet, but a rhinoceros steals him.

SYNOPSIS

Pom, Flora, and Alexander discover a rare Wully-Wully and bring him home to Celesteville. The lovable creature has a wonderful time playing with the little elephants and their friends. But there's trouble afoot when Rataxes the rhinoceros grabs the Wully-Wully to be his own pet. Can Rataxes learn to share, or will there be war between rhinos and elephants?

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature

A reprint of a 1975 edition, Babar and the Wully-Wully chronicles the adventures of the now famous elephant children of King Babar and Queen Celeste. Pom, Flora and Alexander, the children, are walking one day near Celesteville when they suddenly encounter a strange little animal. "What is that?" whispered Flora. "A Wully-Wully," answers Pom. They take the Wully-Wully home and enjoy his antics, but soon discover that the Wully-Wully prefers the out of doors. While on a picnic, the Wully-Wully is kidnapped by Rataxes, a nasty rhinoceros. Pom, Flora, Alexander and their monkey friend, Zephir, spy on the rhinoceros compound and discover that Wully-Wully is being mistreated. They devise a plan to rescue the Wully-Wully. They are successful, but the rhinos retaliate. Mild mannered Flora comes to the rescue by appealing to the heart of everyone. It's a charming story, if a bit long for the preschool set. The illustrations are colorful and pure Celesteville. Babar fans will be delighted. 2001 (orig. 1975), Harry N. Abrams, $16.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger