Nelvana Enterprises and The Clifford Ross Company will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Babar with events, new episodes of the TV series and new products.

Babar will be featured in the Toy Gallery at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris from Dec. 8 until Sept. 2, 2012.  The exhibit will include a selection of 100 original illustration boards, plush toys, games, action figures and toys on wheels from as early as 1930, along with contemporary licensed products. A selection of “classic” Babar items will be available for sale at the Musée’s gift shop.

A second season of the CG-animated series "Babar and the Adventures of Badou" is being produced with delivery beginning this month. The show will air on international broadcasters including Disney Junior in the U.S. and TF1 in France.

In August, Abrams Books for Young Readers released the latest book from Laurent de Brunhoff, Babar’s Celesteville Games. Abrams will roll out Laurent de Brunhoff's classic Babar books in a new format for the rest of the year.

In France, Hachette Jeunesse has introduced a line of books based on the new TV series and the company plans to publish 50-60 titles over the next three years.

Licensed products based on the new TV series hit the market this year from licensees including Lansay, Bayard, Hatier, Sun City, CTI, Dujardin, Vilac and Smoby. TF1 Licences is the agent for the brand in France and Benelux.

Kids will also have the opportunity to share unforgettable moments with Babar during their holidays in 16 Hôtels Clubs Nouvelles Frontières around the world.

The first Babar book was published in 1931 by Editions du Jardin des Modes. Hachette Jeunesse added Babar to its catalog in 1936. To date, over 75 books have been published in 27 different languages with more than 13 million copies sold worldwide.