FRENCH

Bonjour à tous,

Last week, the Prep students were introduced to the Barbapapa family.  All students at Weeden Heights know about these French characters and we all love them! 

In the younger grades, we regularly watch short videos of their adventures. It is a fun way for the students to get familiar with the French accent and to learn new vocabulary or grammar rules. 

Today, I will tell you more about this adorable family. I am sure your children will be happy to read about them too and probably learn some new facts that they didn’t know ….

Barbapapa is a 1970 children's picture book by the French-American couple Annette Tison and Talus Taylor, who lived in Paris, France. The book was the first of a series of childrens' books originally written in French and later translated into over 30 languages. 

Barbe à papa – literally "Daddy's beard" – is French for ‘ fairy floss’. 

The inspiration for Barbapapa came by chance in the Luxembourg Garden in Paris one day in May 1970. While walking in the park with Annette Tison, Talus Taylor thought he heard a child ask his parents for something called "Baa baa baa baa". Not speaking French, he asked Tison what the words meant. She explained that the child was asking for a treat called Barbe à papa (cotton candy). Later at a restaurant, the couple began to draw on the tablecloth, and came up with a character inspired by the candy: a pink and round character. When it came time to give it a name, Barbapapa came naturally.

The main characters in the books are the Barbapapa family, who are most notable for their ability to shapeshift at will. In their native form, Barbapapas are blob-shaped, with a distinct head and arms, but no legs. Each Barbapapa can adopt any form they choose, but they remain easily identifiable by always retaining their faces and their distinctive colour. 

Barbapapa

Barbapapa was born in a garden, just like a flower. He can take any form. He is very nice, everybody likes him. Not far from the village where his friends François and Claudine live, he has built a house like him for his family. With a few shape shifting and a brilliant imagination, he smoothly overcomes the most difficult situations! He is always ready to help. His goodwill is inexhaustible.

Barbamama

Barbamama is Barbapapa’s wife. She likes to cook for their seven children. She loves to take care of her house and garden. However, she can also build structures, repair dams and divert the lava of volcanoes! She does not fear action!

Barbabelle

Barbabelle is very pretty. She likes jewellery, dresses and perfumes. She spends a lot of time putting on makeup. She is afraid of small hairy animals such as caterpillars or spiders. She faints when she sees one! Barbouille finds it really annoying.

Barbalala 

Barbalala loves music. She can play all kinds of instruments. She is also interested in botany and ecology like her brother Barbidou. She has a dreamy and peaceful temperament. She hardly ever gets angry: she is a good sport.

Barbibul

Barbibul is a great scientist. Neither chemistry, astrophysics or genetics are a secret for him. Strange potions, wacky machines…these amazing inventions are sometimes useful but they often cause catastrophes!

Barbidou

Barbidou loves and protects nature and animals. (‘doux’ means soft). He is very good at natural sciences. He knows all about flora and fauna, climate and pollution. He distrusts many of Barbibul’s experiments on genetics. He is often right to be wary…

Barbidur

Barbidur is a sportsman. He is very strong (‘dur’ means hard or strong) and he likes to win. He also likes to lead and loves to eat. With his Sherlock Holmes’ outfit (hat and magnifying glass) and the help of his faithful dog Lolita, he plays the detective. Barbidur is a little too pleased with himself, but he is a good fellow.

Barbotine

Barbotine is an intellectual and an activist. She is always immersed in books and knows a lot. She loves to play the teacher. She doesn’t have an easy personality. She often fights with Barbidur because she also wants to be the leader.

Barbouille

Barbouille is hairy and he is an artist. He is rarely separated from his sketchbook. Drawing, painting, sculpting, modeling, Barbouille knows everything. In the grip of creative torments he can sometimes be very sensitive. ‘Barbouiller’ means to smear. 

Lolita

Lolita is a goofball. She unconditionally loves Barbidur. She often seconds her master in his investigations and she is as fond of food as he is.

Here is the very first Barbapapa video for you to enjoy: La naissance de Barbapapa (The birth of Barbapapa).

Bonne semaine à tous! Have a nice week everyone!

Delphine