In Search of the Little Prince (children's picture biography of an author) by Bimba Landmann

About the book: For the last seventy years, The Little Prince has captured the imaginations of readers around the world. This lyrical picture book biography tells the story of its author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

As a child, Antoine dreamed of flying. His dream was realized when he became a pilot, first serving France during World War I, then working as an international mail courier. As he wrote letters to his family describing the foreign countries he visited, he soon discovered that writing contained its own sense of adventure. His stories showed a childlike fascination with the world, culminating with The Little Prince, one of the best-selling books ever published.

Bimba Landmann’s biography is paired with whimsical yet profound illustrations, wonderfully capturing Saint-Exupery’s personality. This book will give fresh insight into the life of a cherished author.

My thoughts: I'll admit that I never (to my recollection) have read The Little Prince. This picture book biography of its author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, was an interesting introduction to his life and how his thoughts, goals, emotions, and actions played into his ultimate famous work of The Little Prince.

Reputedly, he did not seek to become an author as his love was in flying and what he experienced sensorial and emotionally while flying. To be able to live his dream of flying he worked with, and yes was a vital part of the airmail postal system. He kept a journal and from these writings eventually composed the story of The Little Prince.

This is a very interesting biography and the art is captivating. The illustrations seem to capture the complexity of Saint-Exupery's life by rendering him in somewhat a surreal form - identifiable yet a bit abstract.

I love this page on Goodreads.com of quotes by Saint-Exupery from The Little Prince. Perhaps if you visit there you will see why this children's book has so enamored readers - young and old - for so many years.

“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.”  

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”  

“Well, I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.” 

This is a very nice adventure for children into the world of biographies.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the publisher, Eerdmans Young Readers, to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.