Babar and Zephir by Jean de Brunhoff (translated by Merle S. Haas).
Title: Babar and Zephir.
Author: Jean de Brunhoff (translated by Merle S. Haas).
Genre: Fiction, children's lit, illustrated, animals.
Country: France.
Language: French.
Publication Date: 1936.
Summary: Babar sees his young monkey friend Zephir off for a visit to his family during summer vacation. But shortly after Zephir's arrival in Monkeyville, the princess, Isabelle, mysteriously vanishes, and it is up to Zephir to set off on a grand adventure to rescue the kidnapped princess. With the help of a kindly mermaid, Zephir sets off to the island domain of Polomoche, a monster who periodically kidnaps interesting creatures to relieve his boredom. Unfortunately, Polomoche has a bad habit of turning to stone those who fail to amuse him, and it's up to Zephir and his enterprising wit to get himself and the young princess off the island in one piece.
My rating: 7.5/10
My review:
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They have to use a rope ladder to climb up to the house perched there in the treetops. Zephir scrambles up easily, but laughs as he says to himself: "This wouldn't do at all for my friends the elephants."
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By air, by water, from the treetops and the mountain peaks, even through the underbrush, Aristobald and his soldiers hunt for the princess. In spite of all their efforts, they find no trace of her.
♥ Zephir is the only one who doesn't give up hope. Secretly, he puts a gourd and some provisions into his knapsack. He also takes with him his most prized possessions: his violin and his clown costume. Then he starts off toward the sea.
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Zephir puts on Crustadele's sack. It covers him and his few belongings completely, and he immediately resembles the rocks which are scattered all over the island. He walks cautiously to the top of the hill, while working out his plans.
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Then, picking up his violin, he plays waltzes and polkas, one after the other. Carried away by the music, they all jump and whirl about giddily.
At last, tired out, they all roll over in a heap and go to sleep, and start to snore peacefully. Zephir takes off his costume and prepares to escape.
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The general congratulates Zephir in front of the soldiers of his guard, and says: "My young friend, I, General Huc, President of the Republic of Monkeys, am proud of you, and give you my beloved daughter, Isabelle. You may marry her later on, when you become of age."
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After starting off with this astonishing adventure, the rest of the holidays pass peacefully and happily. Zephir goes back to Celesteville. As long as he lives with the elephants, Eléonore and her sisters will watch over Isabelle.