Thursday 5 December 2013

The Little Prince

The Little Prince by Joann Sfar (Walker Books)
PB RRP 16.95
ISBN 9781406331981
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Adapted from the classic by Antoine De Saint-Exupery, this graphic version allows readers who get more from visual storytelling, the opportunity to enjoy the story and identify the significant themes and philosophical gems that flow through the book.

Translated by Sarah Ardizzone, it uses a singular prose that is close to the original, for the text in graphic novels needs adjusting to fit the panel-to-panel illustrations and minimal captions. The background colours used by Brigitte Findakly complement the mood of the text with the use of bold shades.

As the Little Prince goes through the planets in search of friends, themes including loneliness and the need to recognise the importance of what you have, become apparent. The difference between how adults see the world and how children view the same things, is a lesson both the pilot and the Little Prince learn, for ‘you can only see clearly with the heart. What matters is invisible to the eye’.

This is ideal for the 7+ age group and for fans of the graphic novel of any age, one of whom I am fast becoming.

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