We have all heard of the classic, French, children's book Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, but how many have actually read it? Don't let the words "children's book" deter you, as this small, poetic story can be enjoyed by all ages, and should be. It is the 3rd most translated book in the world and can be found in more than 350 languages. So, if you have not read it yet, we suggest you put it on your top summer read list!
So why is this book important to us? Why should we read it?
Le Petit Prince teaches us many substantial lessons to note/learn whether young or mature. A few lessons to mention; the dangers of being narrow-minded, enlightenment through exploration, relationships teach us responsibilities, and many more.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is...
"I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies."
As you can see, there are many different interpretations for what Saint-Exupéry could have meant. Perhaps; sometimes to be around beautiful objects, people, or experiences you must learn to accept the not so beautiful parts. What do you think he meant?
Another popular quote...
"All grown-ups were once children…but only few of them remember it."
Saint-Exupéry was referring to the fact that as many of us grow up we forget that we once had the innocence and creativity of children. We become more involved in materials, appearances, and money. We stop questioning to learn and our curiosity is lost. In exchange, we start to think we know everything.
You will surely find out that this book is full of emotional conflict; isolation, fear, and love. Many of Saint-Exupéry's abstract ideas and events in the book have clear connection to his person life. The desert setting from Le Petit Prince is from when Saint-Exupéery was lost for nearly a week in the Arabian desert. He experienced loneliness, the sense of death, and fear during that time. The love between the Prince and the Rose, from the book, comes from his shifty affair with his wife, Consuelo. Saint-Exupéry had many inspirations from his personal life. You can find more just from reading the book carefully.
With that said, we will be celebrating the release of the NEW Le Petit Prince movie (dated in France for 29 July 2015) by hosting a FREE Le Petit Prince Story time at Central Library! So make sure to mark your calendars for Saturday June 11th and 13th!
Suggested age group: 6 to 9-year-olds
Readings will take place upstairs in the McIntyre Room on:
Saturday, June 13th from 10:30-11:30
and
Saturday, July 11th from 10:30-11:30
Location: Central Library located on Market Street in Downtown Charlottesville.
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