Review Detail

A classic, allegorical work of children’s fiction—one which may be more aimed at a jaded, unimaginative adult audience more so than at children. Over and over it points out the absurdities in many an adult endeavor or priority, whilst weaving a sojourning tale around the “Little Prince” of a tiny planet who has come to Earth in search of friends. It seems blatantly meant to encourage adults to stop and wonder why they don’t stop and wonder.

The softly hued, watery artwork is something of a highlight—breaking up dense chunks of text now and then with curious, dreamy imagery. The style successfully conveyed both scope and emotion, while also reinforcing a charmingly dated feel.

I regret I lack the sentimentality that seems so common to those who read and loved this book as a child. I somehow made it to my mid-20’s before I’d ever heard of it at all. (I like to think that gives me a more objective perception of it, but I also sadly recognize I’ve missed the chance at being impressed with child-like awe as well.) I personally felt the translation from French to English sometimes left the sentence structuring a bit awkward. Granted, I might not have noticed as much if I hadn’t been reading it aloud to my children.

NOTE: I read this book originally with my 5 and 6 year old, and both seemed more interested in the roman numerals that marked the beginning of each chapter than they did in the story itself. It became a bit like a long literary road trip, in which they were both slumped over, fidgeting and continually asking “Is it over yet?” For this reason (and the word choices) I suspect it would be better suited for 7-8 year old readers—closer to early middle-grade comprehension.

Though it takes the scenic route to get its points across, one can see the enduring wisdom in a handful of quotes that are repeated throughout. One of which being the assertion that “grown ups are so strange.” The other being, of course, the most famous quote I so often encountered before I’d ever heard of the book itself. It rings true because it is a form of a proverb that hold universal appeal:

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”