Watching Over Me

These two little figurines of Barbalib and Barbapapa sit on a shelf over-looking my computer. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the characters, Barbapapa and his friends were characters in a series of French children's books written in the 70s by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor. Their stories have since been translated into over 30 languages. I first saw them when my partner and I were in Stockholm two years ago. They were in every toy shop window.

Here is a description of Barbalib, Barbapapa's orange daughter from the official Barbapapa website:

"Barbalib is an intellectual. She is usually deep in her books and she knows the answer to many questions. She can easily take a superior air."

Here is a description of Barbapapa and his wife, Barbamama:

"There is no problem that can?t be solved by this extraordinary couple ! Thanks to a few adequate shape changes and their brilliant imagination, they can bring to an end even the most difficult of problems, and always in the gentlest manner! They are forever willing to offer their friendship and services; and their good faith is beyond question! All this has not prevented them from becoming the attentive and tender parents of seven turbulent children."