The Little Prince

By: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Richard Howard - translator

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 1 hr and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

A timeless classic. Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince. The perfect audio companion, this Bolinda edition will capture the hearts of listeners of all ages.

The book has been translated into more than 160 languages and, to date has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. It is one of the top 50 best-selling books. It has been adapted into a movie musical by Lerner and Loewe, two different operas, as well as into an animated series. It is often used as a beginner's book for French language students.

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.

©2008 Antoine de Saint-Exupery (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

"Humphrey Bower's crisp British accent describes the magical and unlikely friendship between the pilot who was struggling to survive and the boy who was trying to return to his tiny home planet. The pace is measured, and the tone grows more melancholy as the narrator resigns himself to the loss of his extraordinary companion." ( AudioFile)

What a lovely story

I loved the story and the narrator’s voice was so soothing. It was the perfect book to listen to on a relaxing weekend.

Soundtrack by Eric Satie.

Loved every minute. Regret missing this title growing up. Humphrey Bowers is an awesome narrator.

A children's story for adults

This book was an enjoyable, sweet read. I laughed out loud a few times at the unexpectedly wry humor. The ending made me cry, but it was bittersweet more than incredibly sad. The narrator had a deep, rich voice; it was like listening to a grandfather telling a bedtime story. He tells the story nice and slow, and I could hear the emotions in it.

My mother and I both enjoyed this story on a long trip back from the doctor during rush hour traffic. I would recommend it to almost anyone looking for a funny, gentle story. However, I do feel compelled to mention that when I was a child, this story would have been much too slow for me. I wouldn't have had the patience for it. It's a family-friendly story, but I wouldn't actually make small children sit through it.

A children's book written for adults remember...

Would you consider the audio edition of The Little Prince to be better than the print version?

No. I think the both editions are wonderful. But the audiobook allows the reader to travel more freely through the world of imagination than the printed version. And as the audio you can become a child again ... remembering like is to have someone read you a story before bed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Little Prince?

I think there are so many good moments. Each part of the story 'brings us a lesson, but I think the latter is the most important, since we can't say goodbye to people we like. But the idea that they are living elsewhere can be comforting.

Which scene was your favorite?

It's so hard to say... when I was a child, and listening The Little Principe, I loved when he talks with the flower, and hate the final. I thought, why can i go to this planet and back to visit the pilot?
Now, as a adult I have another interpretation, and I think the beginning, of the story when the narrator describes his design, and adults do not comprendem, taking him to isolate themselves, some quite intriguing. I love the end too, as I now understand differently the departure of the Little Prince.

Any additional comments?

The book is a classic. Everyone should have the opportunity to read it and reread childhood years later. A book written for children, which brings a deeper meaning for adults. The book shows us that as we grow, we forget the simplest things are so important how our concerns in adulthood.

Rose among the Stars

The Little Prince is a rare kind of book that hits all the right notes, regardless of the readers age. Children will love the imaginative world(s) and the really endearing characters. Adults will pick up on some of the books subtler themes such as loss and memory and will probably see much of themselves in the Prince and his friends.

There isn't much more I can say, aside from that I truly love this book. Also, Humphrey Bower does a fantastic job reading. Beyond highly recommended!

A great story, that needs picture

I love this story. The sad truth is without the illustrations something important is lost but the heart is still there.

Great for the whole family!

I bought this book first b/c we loved the movie. This is such a great story for kids and adults alike. I listen to Audible almost everyday but when the kids are in the car I like to have books for them. And this is a great one to have. The narrator's voice fits the role perfectly and the story is so well written. I recommend to Everyone!!

sweet innocence

I have always loved reading The Little Prince and took the same pleasure from the audio book.

Marvelous Book!

I read this book for the first time in 1977. It’s timeless!
It’s a beautiful story!

Sweet story, Incredible Narration

This is a textbook example of a great book that is made even better by exceptional narration. Humphrey Bower hits it out of the park.