The Little Prince Online Book Summary
The Little Prince follows the story of an aviator who crashes his plane in the Sahara Desert. While trying to fix his plane, he encounters a mysterious young boy, the Little Prince, who requests a drawing of a sheep. As the aviator tries to draw a sheep, the Little Prince recounts his adventures on various planets he has visited, each inhabited by a single adult and illustrating their narrow-mindedness and materialistic outlook on life.
The Little Prince recounts his encounters with a king who claims to rule over everything he sees, a conceited man who seeks admiration, a drunkard who drinks to forget his shame, a businessman who claims to own the stars, and a lamplighter who blindly follows orders. Through these encounters, the Little Prince expresses his longing for understanding, connection, and love, contrasting it with the adults’ preoccupation with power, ego, and possessions.
The aviator gradually forms a bond with the Little Prince, learning about his home asteroid and his love for a special rose. The Little Prince teaches the aviator the importance of nurturing relationships and appreciating the beauty of everyday life. He reveals that his rose and their relationship shaped his understanding of love and life, inspiring his journey to explore the other planets.
Eventually, the Little Prince decides to return to his asteroid and take care of his rose. He explains to the aviator that he will soon die and disappear, but he believes that his essence will remain in the stars. The aviator is left devastated by the Little Prince’s departure but finds solace in knowing that the Little Prince’s spirit will always be present.
The story concludes with the aviator fixing his plane and returning home, realizing the importance of cherishing the childlike wonder, curiosity, and imagination embodied by the Little Prince. The book highlights the power of imagination, the importance of relationships, and the tragic loss of innocence as one grows into adulthood.
The Little Prince Target Readers
The target readers of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry are primarily children and young adults.
1. Children: The Little Prince is filled with rich imagery, whimsical characters, and fantastical adventures that captivate the imagination of young readers. The story teaches important life lessons in a simple and accessible manner, making it suitable for children to understand and appreciate. The themes of friendship, love, and the importance of cherishing simple joys are universally relatable to children, helping them to develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
2. Young adults: The philosophical undertones of The Little Prince make it an appealing read for young adults. The allegorical nature of the story encourages readers to delve deeper into existential questions about the nature of life, relationships, and human values. The Little Prince’s encounters with adults and their narrow understanding of the world serve as a critique of society, prompting young adults to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors.
Overall, The Little Prince appeals to readers of all ages with its enchanting narrative and profound insights, but it holds special significance for children and young adults due to its readability and ability to ignite imagination and introspection.
5 Tips from The Little Prince
1. Look beyond appearances: The Little Prince teaches us to look beyond the surface and see the true essence of things. We can use this tip by practicing empathy and not judging people solely based on their appearances. By delving deeper, we can understand others better and foster meaningful connections.
2. Nurture childlike curiosity: The Little Prince encourages us to cultivate and preserve our childlike curiosity and imagination. We can use this tip by staying open-minded, asking questions, and exploring new ideas. By letting our curiosity guide us, we can constantly learn, grow, and find joy in life’s simple wonders.
3. Value connection and friendship: The Little Prince emphasizes the importance of forming meaningful connections and cherishing friendships. We can use this tip by investing time and effort in building and nurturing relationships. By being present, supportive, and understanding, we can cultivate deep connections that bring happiness and meaning to our lives.
4. Embrace vulnerability and emotions: The Little Prince teaches us that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. We can use this tip by embracing our emotions, allowing ourselves to feel and express them in healthy ways. By acknowledging our vulnerability, we can foster genuine connections and have a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
5. Appreciate the beauty of simplicity: The Little Prince reminds us to appreciate the simple joys in life. We can use this tip by practicing gratitude and finding beauty in everyday moments. By focusing on the present and cultivating mindfulness, we can derive immense happiness from the simplest of things, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Books to Read after The Little Prince
1. “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein: This beloved children’s book explores themes of selflessness, friendship, and the true nature of giving. Like “The Little Prince,” it showcases the importance of meaningful connections and helps readers appreciate the beauty of simplicity.
2. “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” by Richard Bach: Similar to “The Little Prince,” this novella is a philosophical story about a seagull who defies societal norms and seeks a higher purpose in life. It explores themes of individuality, personal growth, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
3. The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho: This bestselling novel follows the journey of a young shepherd named Santiago who embarks on a quest to find his personal legend, his true purpose in life. Like “The Little Prince,” it delves into themes of self-discovery, spiritual meaning, and the importance of following one’s heart.
4. Le Petit Nicolas” by René Goscinny: This series of children’s books chronicles the mischievous adventures of a young boy named Nicolas and his group of friends. While less philosophical than “The Little Prince,” it captures the essence of childhood innocence, imagination, and the joys of friendship.
5. “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster: A whimsical and clever tale, this book follows a young boy named Milo as he embarks on a fantastical journey through a world of wordplay and logic puzzles. It mirrors “The Little Prince” in its emphasis on the power of imagination, curiosity, and the importance of appreciating life’s wonders.
6. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” by James Thurber: This short story collection features the titular character, whose vivid daydreams transport him to adventurous realms and help him escape his mundane existence. It resonates with “The Little Prince” by highlighting the power of imagination, escapism, and the longing for a more fulfilling life.
These recommended books share thematic elements with “The Little Prince” by exploring self-discovery, dreams, friendship, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Each offers a unique perspective and inspires readers to reflect on their own lives.