This is a beautiful little book. It’s a smart story with much mysterious lessons to be learned if only we aren’t too big to learn it.

I must now see if the movie does the story any justice. This is a short story, but do not read it fast. Enjoy it, savor it.

Every now and then I like to read a little book that holds some very precious messages on living a full life. "The Little Prince" is one of those valuable gems. As I stroll through the pages, meeting with the various characters that the Little Prince encounters on his journey, I am reminded of the numerous follies that adults can fall prey to as we make our way through a lifetime. The freshness of the Little Prince's eyes and his open heart are lessons for my soul. And, of course, the wisdom of the fox rings out clearly to me, offering its sweet refreshment, just as the narrator searches for his much-needed water in the desert; " Now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye" Words to live by, indeed!

This book holds such a simplistic beauty that words would struggle to describe. It has left me in tears. A must read.

Beautiful lessons for every age

The pop-up art in this edition is fantastic. On some pages it is static while other pages are movable via tabs. Still others pop out in the more traditional way when the page is opened. The variety of the way the pop up art is "paper engineered" adds to the childlike wonder when viewing the world that is at the heart of this classic tale. It is almost as if the Little Prince himself designed them!

So why must I give this book less than 5 stars? The new Howard translation manages to take the poetic wonder of the original and reduce it to a "grown up" version devoid of much of the magic in Katherine Woods' translation. Not having the proficiency needed to read it in the original language I can not be certain if what I loved as a child and learn from again and again as I grow older is there in the words that Antoine de Saint-Exupery penned. I strongly suspect that it is, as the story has been loved by people from almost countless cultures reading in numerous languages. The Woods version, published as the official English translation for the first 55 years or so after Saint-Exupery completed the French original, certainly conveys a poetic sense of wonder that is lacking in the newer Howard account. When I ordered this edition several months ago the description stated the text was the full, unedited translation by Woods. It appears Amazon has since corrected this oversight. I'm sure I was not the only person disappointed when the book arrived to discover the text was Howard's instead of Woods' translation.

If you've read the Woods translation already I can recommend this edition on the strength of the pop up art. If you have not read The Little Prince I would recommend you find a used copy of the Woods translation or look for it online.

Bello el libro que leí en mi infancia y se lo quiero regalar a mi hija para que también lo lea

Since The Little Prince is pretty short, I finished reading it in one day. The experience reading it as an adult would definitely be different from reading it as a child, so as someone who first read this as an adult, I'll admit this book filled me with a sense of nostalgia for my childhood and more innocent days.

The plot at first seems straightforward enough; the narrator meets a baffling young prince who gives him strange requests, and at first the story chronicles the prince's experience on his planet, and encountering other people on other planets, each of them an allegory for a kind of adult someone might grow to become, and most of them aren't very favourable depictions. The prince develops a friendship with the narrator, and this allows him to share his experiences of travelling with him.

The language is simple enough, and the illustrations are beautiful. They reminded me of water colours, and although on my Kindle they're all in black and white, the image quality wasn't compromised. Apart from the plot, I think the main takeaway from The Little Prince is definitely the many beautiful and resonant quotes peppered throughout the book, from the fox's nuggets of wisdom to the narrator's observations of the prince.

Overall, a very delightful (if also feelsy) read.

Great quality and delivered very fast

This is for the Katherine Woods translation - a lovely book, unlike many other childrens' and adult books - suitable for all ages (although nuances may be missed by those very young under 8) with lovely little illustrations. I recommend reading John Lederman's review (on amazon) to discuss the differences between translations. I only wish the Katherine Woods edition came in a bigger hardcover version that could be treasured for generations - this book is a A5ish size paperback so whilst excellent value not a big, beautiful illustrated edition which I feel would do this book real justice!

EDIT (Sep 2017) on Wakeman's edition:

I managed to get a second-hand copy of the Wakeman/Foreman edition and had a few thoughts on it which I would add for those who are lovers of the Little Prince like me, so one edition wasn't enough! This can be contrasted and taken as a second opinion on Lederman's review (which I still recommend you read if you are a true fan/translation buff).

First thing I will say is that I am not a French speaker and I have not read the book in French so I cannot comment on the accuracy of either translations. However upon reading both, I must say I prefer the Woods translation. Yes, the language is slightly old-fashioned, but I feel this adds somewhat to the meaning of the story. That and the fact it happened to be the first version I read makes it my favourite. The Wakeman translation is fine and very readable, but I feel it is very direct in the language/meaning and loses some of the subtlety which Woods' (sometimes over-flowery) language achieves. Wakeman himself in his introduction calls it a 'ponderous translation' but I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing.

Secondly, the Wakeman book should not be bought as the 'definitive' Little Prince purely because it contains none of Saint-Exupery's drawings. Admittedly Exupery was no trained artist, but his drawings do have a certain charm and quality and I think there's something to be said that he created the world of the Little Prince, so the drawings represent the closest anyone can come to visualising this world. In the Wakeman addition, Foreman reproduces most (not all) of Exupery's drawings, with some extra double-page spreads that are not in the original. These original drawings are by far the best because Foreman is visualising the world for himself (not merely copying Exupery's drawings) and they are beautifully rendered in watercolour and depict the narrator/pilot interacting with the Prince. This is a novelty as the pilot/narrator is not pictured in any of Exupery's illustrations. Foreman is a good illustrator and captures the world of the Little Prince well and is respectful of Exupery's style in his copies.

To conclude: the Woods translation is my favourite, and this edition comes with the original Exupery drawings so if you must only buy one, buy this one. If, like me, you then fall in love with the world of the Little Prince, the Wakeman/Foreman edition is a fine second copy to have as you see a slightly different artistic/language take on the story, and perhaps some will prefer this 'easier', more modern and direct translation. I'm happy to have both editions.

EDIT (December 2017): Howard's translation

I now also have the Folio Little Prince which uses the Howard translation. I have to say the Howard translation carries similar criticism to that I would level at Wakeman, primarily the language is very literal and direct, and loses some of the charm of Wood's.

I would however, recommend buying the Folio edition primarily because it comes with a commentary volume with conceptual sketches used when St-Exupery was drafting the Little Prince. I'm glad to have all three books for they each bring something different. The Woods is my favourite translation, the Wakeman/Foreman has beautiful illustrations, and the Folio is a beautifully printed edition with the fantastic commentary book containing 'behind the scenes' sketches. Translation wise, I would rate Woods as the 'best', with Howard/Wakeman on an even level with regard to translating for a modern audience.

UPDATE (2024) - Just to say that I also own the 75th Anniversary book (edited by Alban Cerisier and Delphine Lacroix). I highly recommend purchasing this for fans of the Little Prince. The translation included is Howard but the content is superb (I’ve done a separate review on the relevant page but wanted to highlight here to direct others who might not be aware of the book).

One final translation is Michael MORPURGO. I enjoyed his books as a child but I was disappointed with his translation, I believe there to be errors as well as too much of Morpurgo inserting his own voice to the text, so I cannot recommend this one even as a comparison. The Woods translation still stands as the best in my opinion.

Few books have achieved what The Little Prince has. On the surface, it is a simple story about a young traveler visiting distant planets. In reality, it is a profound meditation on love, friendship, responsibility, loneliness, loss, and what it truly means to be human.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote a book that speaks equally to children and adults, although for very different reasons. Children discover an adventure filled with imagination and wonder. Adults often recognize something deeper: a reminder of the perspective, curiosity, and openness that life gradually teaches us to forget.

Its greatest strength is its simplicity. Every encounter the Little Prince has carries a lesson that unfolds naturally, without preaching or trying to provide definitive answers. The book trusts the reader to reflect, question, and find meaning in their own experience.

What has always impressed me is how relevant it remains, regardless of when you read it. At different stages of life, different passages become the ones that stay with you. It is one of those rare books that grows alongside the reader.

The illustrations, drawn by Saint-Exupéry himself, contribute to the book’s unmistakable identity. They capture the same innocence and quiet wisdom that define the text, making words and images inseparable.

The Little Prince is more than a literary classic. It is a book about remembering what is essential in a world that constantly distracts us from it. Few works have managed to remain so universal, so accessible, and so emotionally resonant across generations.

It deserves to be read early in life—and revisited often thereafter.

Ameiiii, é muito lindo! Embora as páginas sejam finas isso fica muito fofo porque parece que a folha tem um fundo.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a literary gem that appeals to both children and adults alike. Originally published in 1943, this philosophical novella captivates with its profound themes and enchanting illustrations.

Plot and Themes:

The story begins with a pilot who crashes in the Sahara Desert. While trying to repair his plane, he encounters a little boy, the "little prince," who asks him to draw a sheep. The little prince hails from a tiny planet barely larger than a house and shares tales of his travels to various planets and the whimsical characters he meets there.

Each planet the little prince visits is inhabited by an adult trapped in a specific role: a king with no subjects, a vain man who craves admiration, a drunkard who drinks to forget his shame, a businessman who believes he owns the stars, a lamplighter who tirelessly lights and extinguishes his lamp, and a geographer who knows nothing of his own world. These encounters serve as a sharp critique of the adult world and its often absurd priorities.

On Earth, the little prince meets a snake who offers to send him home and a rose who teaches him about love and friendship. His encounter with a fox is particularly touching, as the fox explains the true meaning of taming and bonding: "One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eye."

Style and Illustrations:

Saint-Exupéry's writing style is simple yet poetic, making the book both accessible and profound. The author's watercolor illustrations perfectly complement the story, adding an extra layer of charm and innocence.

Philosophical Depth:

The Little Prince is more than just a children's story. It is a deep meditation on life, love, friendship, and human nature. It encourages readers to see the world through the eyes of a child and to appreciate the simple yet important things in life.

Timeless Relevance:

Although written during World War II, the book has lost none of its relevance. It reminds us that we often overlook the essential things in life when we focus too much on the material.

Conclusion:

The Little Prince is a timeless masterpiece that belongs in every library. It is a book that can be read over and over, offering new insights and reflections each time. It is a wonderful reminder to see the world with a child's eyes and to find beauty and wisdom in the simplest things.

Pros:

Profound and philosophical themes

Enchanting illustrations

Simple yet poetic writing style

Timeless relevance and wisdom

Cons:

None worth mentioning

*The Little Prince* von Antoine de Saint-Exupéry ist ein literarisches Juwel, das sowohl Kinder als auch Erwachsene gleichermaßen anspricht. Dieses Buch, das ursprünglich 1943 veröffentlicht wurde, ist eine philosophische Novelle, die durch ihre tiefgründigen Themen und bezaubernden Illustrationen besticht.

Handlung und Themen:

Die Geschichte beginnt mit einem Piloten, der in der Sahara-Wüste notlanden muss. Während er versucht, sein Flugzeug zu reparieren, trifft er auf einen kleinen Jungen, den "kleinen Prinzen", der ihn bittet, ihm ein Schaf zu zeichnen. Der kleine Prinz stammt von einem winzigen Planeten, der kaum größer als ein Haus ist, und erzählt dem Piloten von seinen Reisen zu verschiedenen Planeten und den skurrilen Charakteren, die er dort getroffen hat.

Jeder Planet, den der kleine Prinz besucht, ist von einem Erwachsenen bewohnt, der in einer bestimmten Funktion gefangen ist: ein König, der keine Untertanen hat, ein Eitler, der nur bewundert werden will, ein Trinker, der trinkt, um das Trinken zu vergessen, ein Geschäftsmann, der glaubt, die Sterne zu besitzen, ein Laternenanzünder, der unermüdlich seine Laterne an- und ausschaltet, und ein Geograph, der nichts über seine eigene Welt weiß. Diese Begegnungen sind eine scharfsinnige Kritik an der Erwachsenenwelt und deren oft absurden Prioritäten.

Auf der Erde trifft der kleine Prinz auf eine Schlange, die ihm anbietet, ihn nach Hause zu bringen, und auf eine Rose, die ihm die Bedeutung von Liebe und Freundschaft lehrt. Besonders berührend ist seine Begegnung mit einem Fuchs, der ihm die wahre Bedeutung von Zähmung und Bindung erklärt: "Man sieht nur mit dem Herzen gut. Das Wesentliche ist für die Augen unsichtbar."

Stil und Illustrationen:

Saint-Exupéry's Schreibstil ist einfach und poetisch, was das Buch sowohl zugänglich als auch tiefgründig macht. Die Aquarellillustrationen des Autors ergänzen die Geschichte perfekt und verleihen ihr eine zusätzliche Dimension von Charme und Unschuld.

Philosophische Tiefe:

*The Little Prince* ist mehr als nur eine Kindergeschichte. Es ist eine tiefgründige Meditation über das Leben, die Liebe, die Freundschaft und die menschliche Natur. Es fordert die Leser auf, die Welt mit den Augen eines Kindes zu sehen und die einfachen, aber wichtigen Dinge im Leben zu schätzen.

Zeitlose Relevanz:

Obwohl das Buch während des Zweiten Weltkriegs geschrieben wurde, hat es nichts von seiner Relevanz verloren. Es erinnert uns daran, dass wir oft die wesentlichen Dinge im Leben übersehen, wenn wir uns zu sehr auf das Materielle konzentrieren.

Fazit:

*The Little Prince* ist ein zeitloses Meisterwerk, das in jede Bibliothek gehört. Es ist ein Buch, das man immer wieder lesen kann und das jedes Mal neue Einsichten und Reflexionen bietet. Es ist eine wunderbare Erinnerung daran, die Welt mit den Augen eines Kindes zu sehen und die Schönheit und Weisheit in den einfachsten Dingen zu finden.

Pro:

- Tiefgründige und philosophische Themen

- Bezaubernde Illustrationen

- Einfacher, aber poetischer Schreibstil

- Zeitlose Relevanz und Weisheit

Kontra:

- Keine nennenswerten Nachteile