The Little Prince
by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Classics, Fiction, Fantasy, France, Philosophy, Young-Adult
A pilot stranded in the desert awakes one morning to see, standing before him, the most extraordinary little fellow. “Please,” asks the stranger, “draw me a sheep.” And the pilot realizes that when life’s events are too difficult to understand, there is no choice but to succumb to their mysteries. He pulls out pencil and paper… And thus begins this wise and enchanting fable that, in teaching the secret of what is really important in life, has changed forever the world for its readers. Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince.
Recommendations from Common Sense Media
Age Recommendation: 10+
What Parents Need to Know:
Parents need to know that Antoine de Saint-Exupéry‘s The Little Prince, first published in 1943, is a classic fable about a stranded pilot’s encounter with a young prince who travels from planet to planet in search of knowledge. This gentle book looks like it’s a book for children, but it’s generally better appreciated and enjoyed by an older audience. The language and themes can sail over the heads of young, casual readers, but there’s nothing inappropriate for young readers. The prince allows himself to be bitten by a poisonous snake, which some children might view as suicide even though the author explains that the prince isn’t dead. Older versions mention “Negro kings”; modern editions use the phrase “African kings.”
Educational Value: 4/5
As a fable, The Little Prince offers intriguing prompts for philosophical discussion about love, friendship, and life.
Positive Messages: 4/5
Appearances can be deceiving — you need to probe beneath the surface to get to the heart of things. Open-minded curiosity can lead to deep knowledge and emotional growth. Being narrow-minded and judgmental leaves you isolated and with a limited understanding of yourself and the world. Loving relationships require responsibility and faith, and it takes effort and risk to forge a close bond with another.
Positive Role Models: 5/5
The Little Prince is kind, loyal, and curious. He’s open to other perspectives and adapts to new ideas. He’s reflective and able to acknowledge past mistakes. The attentive pilot is considerate and concerned for his new friend.
Violence & Scariness: 1/5
The pilot has crashed in the desert and is worried about surviving. The prince worries about the safety of his rose. A venomous snake bites the prince.
Sex, Romance & Nudity: n/a
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Language: n/a
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking: 1/5
The prince visits a man who drinks to forget his shame over his drinking.
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