Review: The Little Prince Graphic Novel by Joann Sfar

Title: The Little Prince Graphic Novel
Author: Joann Sfar
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publish Date: October 18, 2010 (first published 2008 in French)
Pages: 112

Synopsis:
For over sixty-five years Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's 'The Little Prince' has captured the hearts and minds of its readers. The whimsical story with a fairy tale touch has sold over 80 million copies in 230 languages. This exciting graphic adaptation features beautiful, new artwork by Joann Sfar. Hand-chosen by Saint-Exupéry's French publishers for his literary style and sensitivity to the original, Sfar has endeavored to recreate this beloved story, both honoring the original and stretching it to new heights. A vibrant, visual gift for longtime fans and those experiencing the story for the first time.

From Goodreads  

I read this story a few times while in elementary and secondary school. I also read it in French, and I've always thought it's better that way. Books and movies are always best in their original form and language in my opinion. Who care if it's a little harder?

This graphic version of the story was really cute. It was a quick sum up of the story and the illustrations really bring the words to life. Joann Sfar did an especially amazing job showing off the emotions portrayed throughout the story. Her exaggerated facial expressions made me laugh and want to cry. One thing that bothered me at times was when her illustrations would become a little more abstract. This portions of the novel didn't seem to fit very well with the rest of the graphics.

Overall, I found Sfar translated what Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wanted convey to his readers. It definitely reminded me of sitting in French class reading it with my classmates. It is quite well done.

I'd recommend this rendition for anyone who has read Antoine de St. Exupery's classic tale at any point in their lives and is interested in seeing the story in a different light.