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on September 4, 2012
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.
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.
VINE VOICEon May 19, 2015
I hate to say anything negative about such a beloved classic, so I won't. But I've tried to read this book at three different points in my life and I still can't get into it. I read it in high school (in English, not French) because a cute young woman that I wanted to associate with asked me to read it. I read it, but I had no idea after why anyone thought it was such a legendary book. Then about 20 years later, I read most of it again, but put it down for the same reason--it seemed horrifically slow and never seemed to get to the point. Now, another 20 or so years later, I decided I was mature enough to give this book a fair reading and finally see the light of this beautiful masterpiece. Unfortunately, about 2/3 of the way through it (again) I realized it was on its way to Goodwill. I have tried three times now and I get absolutely nothing from it. No miracles, no magical philosophy, no inspiration, just a huge desire to get back all the time I wasted trying to read it.
OK, so I said I wouldn't trash it, and really I won't. Others may get a deep and inspirational message from this book, but I didn't. If they see the message, good for them. I don't speak enough French to know if the translation is any good or not (I'm speaking of the Katherine Woods version which gets rave review), but I find the writing miserable. Terrible. Wait, wait...I *am* trashing the book. I really didn't set out to do that, lol.
As for simple books of simple philosophy, I much prefer The Giving Tree - Children's Book, Hardcover by Shell Silverstein. Or maybe "The Prophet" by Gibran if you want a longer and somewhat heavier read.
I'm sorry, I just got nothing from this book in three attempts, so off to Goodwill it goes. I'm pretty sure this is my last attempt...unless I meet another woman that I want to impress.
OK, so I said I wouldn't trash it, and really I won't. Others may get a deep and inspirational message from this book, but I didn't. If they see the message, good for them. I don't speak enough French to know if the translation is any good or not (I'm speaking of the Katherine Woods version which gets rave review), but I find the writing miserable. Terrible. Wait, wait...I *am* trashing the book. I really didn't set out to do that, lol.
As for simple books of simple philosophy, I much prefer The Giving Tree - Children's Book, Hardcover by Shell Silverstein. Or maybe "The Prophet" by Gibran if you want a longer and somewhat heavier read.
I'm sorry, I just got nothing from this book in three attempts, so off to Goodwill it goes. I'm pretty sure this is my last attempt...unless I meet another woman that I want to impress.
on February 26, 2013
Everyone should read this.
Children might like the story, but for them they don't need the lessons that are taught here as much as adults do.
The most important lessons of life and love are in here.
They are simple and yet in it's simplicity so profound.
I think Antoine de Saint Exupery had it right.
I believe we're at our best as children. It's as we get older that we forget all the wisdom.
In life we should strive to stay young instead of grow up.
I bought an old used copy, the Katherine Woods translated version, to give as a gift to my little brother when he turned 18 and wrote a note in it. I hope he keeps it for his lifetime and passes it on to his children. It is that type of book.
Children might like the story, but for them they don't need the lessons that are taught here as much as adults do.
The most important lessons of life and love are in here.
They are simple and yet in it's simplicity so profound.
I think Antoine de Saint Exupery had it right.
I believe we're at our best as children. It's as we get older that we forget all the wisdom.
In life we should strive to stay young instead of grow up.
I bought an old used copy, the Katherine Woods translated version, to give as a gift to my little brother when he turned 18 and wrote a note in it. I hope he keeps it for his lifetime and passes it on to his children. It is that type of book.
on May 9, 2015
I'm the only member of our book club who didn't enjoy this - apparently I didn't understand it which is why I wasn't able to appreciate it properly. That might even be true, but even so: the book is not for me.
To me it came across as aimless and meandering and often quite boring in spots. I'll go read up on what I missed and maybe try again, but my first impression wasn't a good one.
To me it came across as aimless and meandering and often quite boring in spots. I'll go read up on what I missed and maybe try again, but my first impression wasn't a good one.
on December 26, 2015
Yesterday I listened to the story while enjoying the creative pop ups. The book is so creative and the story is very touching...a reminder to keep the child inside alive.
on August 12, 2016
What an amazing story. I had heard of this book for years but never tried it. I found a copy at a small book store going out of business and bought a copy and loved it so much I bought a digital copy to have while I am out and just want to read it again. This book is so full of vivid imagination and teaches children morals unlike a lot of books today. I will read this to my children one day and even would love to have a nursery decorated in this theme because it was just THAT good. I have recommended this book to so many people. It truly is amazing.
on August 5, 2016
A beautiful story, which truly touches your heart. I had just seen the movie and immediately downloaded the book, which I had previously read, and was so happy to get reacquainted with the Little Prince.
on June 27, 2016
This was for my daughter that is doing French at school... She simply loved it having the french and english side by side... is like having a dictionary all the time with you. The audio books were also really nice.. she listens to the french version for better pronunciation.. it's a great way to learn a language!!!
on July 19, 2017
My favorite book. They may call it a children's book ... but read it carefully: it's really more metaphysical and therefore, a book for all ages. Filled with heart-warming tales of the journey of The Little Prince, and the people and conundrums he encounters. Lessons, mores and morals aplenty, subtly woven into the gentle words of the author.
