The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is universally praised for its enchanting storytelling, deep philosophical insights, and elegant illustrations. Reviewers appreciate its timeless appeal and emotional resonance with both children and adults. However, some criticize its simplicity and perceived sentimentalism. Overall, it is celebrated as a modern classic.

A reader who enjoys whimsical, philosophical tales filled with allegory, similar to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll or The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, would be captivated by The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This classic will appeal to those who appreciate themes of innocence, love, and the human experience.

In Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince, a pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert meets a young prince from another planet who shares stories of his travels and the unique characters he encounters, which leads to reflections on love, loss, and the essence of human connections.

Fantastical / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Melancholic / Inspirational

- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote The Little Prince while living in the United States during World War II, specifically in New York City and Asharoken, Long Island.
- The Little Prince is one of the most translated books in the world, having been translated into more than 300 languages and dialects since its initial publication in 1943.
- Saint-Exupéry was not only an author but also an aviator, and his experiences as a pilot influenced the motifs and themes found in The Little Prince.

**The Pilot**  
The narrator of the story who encounters the little prince after crashing in the Sahara desert. His interactions with the prince lead him to reconnect with his own sense of imagination and wonder.

**The Little Prince**  
A curious boy from a small planet who travels to Earth and meets the pilot. He values relationships and questions the norms of adult life.

**The Fox**  
A creature the prince meets on Earth who teaches him about the nature of friendship and taming.

**The Rose**  
A self-centered yet deeply cherished flower on the prince's home planet, who holds a significant place in his heart.

**The Snake**  
A mysterious figure who the prince meets on Earth, known for its ability to offer a way back to the prince's home.

**The King**  
An authoritative character the prince encounters on his travels, who attempts to give orders to everything around him.

**The Vain Man**  
A character the prince meets, obsessed with admiration yet living alone, highlighting the isolation of vanity.

**The Drunkard**  
One of the inhabitants of the planets visited by the prince, whose circular reasoning exemplifies a self-destructive cycle.

**The Businessman**  
An adult overly concerned with owning stars, representing an obsession with material possession and wealth.

**The Lamplighter**  
A diligent character bound by outdated orders, admired by the prince for his devotion to his task.

**The Geographer**  
An adult encountered by the prince who prioritizes cataloging facts over exploring or appreciating beauty.

**The Railway Switchman**  
A worker who controls train tracks, providing the prince a perspective on the aimless hurry of human activity.

**The Salesclerk**  
A seller promoting a pill to save time by eliminating the need for water, which underscores modern society's drive for efficiency.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Middle grade

Novella

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Little Prince reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Little Prince | SuperSummary

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Overview

In The Little Prince, a pilot meets a boy from another world, sparking reflections on life’s true meaning. Explore the story with a complete summary.

The Little Prince Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

Get ready to explore The Little Prince and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Little Prince Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-6

The Little Prince Chapters 3-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Little Prince Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

The Little Prince Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

The Little Prince Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

The Little Prince Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-21

The Little Prince Chapters 20-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-24

The Little Prince Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-27

The Little Prince Chapters 25-27 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Little Prince Character Analysis

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Themes

The Little Prince Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Little Prince Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Little Prince Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Little Prince Essay Topics

The Little Prince Teaching Materials

Quiz

The Little Prince Quiz

How to use

The Little Prince How to use

Pre-Reading Context

The Little Prince Pre-Reading Context

Thought & Response Prompts

The Little Prince Thought & Response Prompts

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The Little Prince Paired Texts & Other Resources

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The Little Prince Activities

Essay Questions

The Little Prince Essay Questions

The Little Prince

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

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Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Little Prince?

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