The Little Prince
The Little Prince is a children’s storybook that I’ve heard many people rave about over the years; I even have friends that have tattoos inspired by the book. When a pilot crashes over the African dessert, he is introduced to The Little Prince, and is told of the petite boy’s travels between his home planet and Earth. There are many very-strange grownups that he meets along the way who all can give us a lesson or two about life.
I have blended feelings about this book. I first think to myself about how it reads more like poetry than a children’s novel. It is dripping with symbolism and analogies. It feels more like something that could honestly be read by a philosophy class and broken down into very profound meaning of the human condition. It made me wonder, repeatedly, while reading it whether children would truly enjoy the book. Maybe it’s because I’ve only read it as an adult; it seems like children might just appreciate the overall storyline because they aren’t thinking about all the extra implications. This one was under 100 pages, and it still took me longer to read than most children’s books would because I was constantly stopping to think about the added meaning to every chapter, and second-guessing if I had interpreted it accurately. I like this book, but I think it would blossom into something even more beautiful if I were to discuss it with a group of people to see how they had decoded the books hidden treasures.
I think this book would be good for adults and children alike. And it could be a fun curve ball to throw into a book club. Note: For additional reading on symbolism, imagery, and allegory try Shmoop’s page
Malia's Pizza Rating
Chicago style pizza – “The important thing is what can’t be seen.”