Barbalib

Knowledgeable and reliable literary girl

Eldest daughter of the orange Barbapapa family, a literature-loving character. Knowledgeable and responsible, known as the reliable one among her siblings.

Quotes

  • “Books are the treasure chest of the heart!”
  • “Knowledge is power for everyone.”
  • “We have to stay strong!”
  • “There are so many books I want to read!”
  • “Literature is my wonderful world.”

Trivia

  • Initially did not wear glasses but later started wearing them.
  • Barbalib's body color is orange, but it was vermilion at birth.
  • Head flower ornament is blue, different from siblings for distinction.
  • Most proficient in literary knowledge among siblings.
  • Often quarrels with siblings due to spirited personality.

Alternate names

Barbalib Barbapapa's eldest daughter Knowledgeable eldest daughter of the Barbapapa family

Tags

Barbapapa Barbalib Orange Literature lover Shape-shifting Family Children's literature Anime Picture book

Profile

Species
Mysterious creature
Gender
Female

Appearance

Overall appearance
Somewhat slender fluffy character with an orange body. Often wears a blue flower on top of her head.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Orange
Distinguishing features
  • Blue flower ornament on top of the head
  • Cotton candy-like fluffy body
Iconic items
  • Glasses
  • Book
  • Flower ornament

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Intellectual
Detailed personality
Extremely knowledgeable and well-versed in literature, the reliable one among her siblings. Precocious and spirited, often argues with her siblings, but kind at heart. Loves reading and contributes to problem-solving with her intelligence.
Keywords
  • Knowledgeable
  • Responsible
  • Precocious
  • Spirited
  • Literature lover
Talents
  • Shape-shifting ability
  • Advanced knowledge
  • Excellent observation skills
Skills
  • Reading
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
Motivation
To acquire more knowledge and help her family and friends.
Habits
Started wearing glasses. Occasionally quarrels with siblings due to her spirited personality.
Favorite foods
Apple juice, Cookies
Hobbies
Reading, Writing stories
Favorite places
Library, Quiet spot in the garden
Favorite colors
Orange, Blue
Music
Classical music, Quiet piano pieces
Disliked situations
Ignorance, Chaos
Disliked foods
Bitter things

History

Backstory
One of the mysterious creatures born in Barbapapa's garden, the eldest daughter with an orange body. Curious from a young age, gained much knowledge through books. Shows a reliable side to her family and siblings, supporting friends with literary knowledge.
Debut date
1970s
Work title
Barbapapa
Media type
Manga

Barbapapa picture book series debut

Significant event
Barbapapa picture book series debut
Description
Appeared in the Barbapapa series created by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor couple in the 1970s.

Anime adaptation

Significant event
Anime adaptation
Description
Animated in 1974, 1990, and 1999 with different styles and voice actors, beloved by generations.

Japanese translation

Significant event
Japanese translation
Description
Popularity expanded through Japanese translation by children's literature translator Akeo Yamashita.

Google Doodle 45th anniversary commemoration

Significant event
Google Doodle 45th anniversary commemoration
Description
In 2015, a Google Doodle was released to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Barbapapa series.

Relationships

Barbapapa

Father

Kind father and center of the family.

Barbamama

Mother

Skilled cook and caring mother.

Barbabravo

Sibling

Eldest son and leader figure. They clash occasionally but are close.

Barbazoo

Sibling

Nature-loving gentle younger brother.

Barbabright

Sibling

Science enthusiast and inventor-type younger brother.

Barbabeau

Sibling

Artistic youngest brother. Sometimes whimsical.

Barbalala

Sibling

Music-loving second daughter. Gentle.

Barbabelle

Sibling

Fashion-loving third daughter. Strong-willed.

Lolita

Pet

Family's pet and troublemaker.

Toucan-kun

Best friend

Barbazoo's close friend, a tropical bird.

Barbapapa family

Barbapapa family: unknown

Media appearances

Barbapapa

Manga / Supporting

From the 1970s

Barbapapa (1974 version)

Anime / Supporting

Broadcast 1977-1978

Barbapapa (1990 version)

Anime / Supporting

VHS release and TV broadcast

Barbapapa Around the World (1999 version)

Anime / Supporting

NHK Educational TV broadcast in 1999

Voice cast and creators

Akemi Shinohara

Voice actor
Akemi Shinohara
Language
Japanese
Version or series
From 1974 version onward
Notes
Voice of Barbalib

Annette Tison

Creator name
Annette Tison
Role
Original author

Talus Taylor

Creator name
Talus Taylor
Role
Original author

Kodansha

Creator name
Kodansha
Role
Publisher

Studio Pierrot

Creator name
Studio Pierrot
Role
Animation studio

Related goods

Barbalib Figure

Item name
Barbalib Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Barbapapa Picture Book Series (Japanese version)

Item name
Barbapapa Picture Book Series (Japanese version)
Category
Stationery
Availability
Regular