I remember the way it sounded rolling off my mother's tongue, like something wise and mystical, only mentioned in hushed, reverent tones... "le petit prince" she would repeat in a french accent so I could try to say it too. It was one of those moments when everything was perfect and bathed in the warm golden glow of childhood memories. My mother would then tell me the story of how le petite prince was the first book she learned to read in French, and maybe someday I would too, but until then the English version would suffice.
I would spend hours on the soft, floral living room couch turning through the pages of our very old hard cover version, taking care not to damage the already worn through binding. This book was obviously well loved long before I ever came along.
Each time I opened it, the book and my imagination became one, and from page to page I was right there on the asteroid cleaning out volcano's, tending to the persnickety rose and fretting over the baobabs; desert sand dunes shifted in the winds, and scientists looked out into space with wonder. To this day, no book has ever done the same for me.
That book and I formed a bond that has lasted my whole life. From book reports, to dioramas, to lonely days when the world just doesn't make sense, le petit prince has always been there. Most importantly though, le petit prince always brings me back to that place of warmth and wonder, of childhood and imagination, and for that I am forever grateful.
So in the spirit of that lovely memory I would like to share this wonderful story with you!
For a chance to win a copy of le petit prince, simply leave a comment on this post by Wednesday June 1st. The winner will be chosen by random number and announced Thursday June 2nd.
Good Luck!
And the winner is Holly who said:
"This looks like a wonderful story. I love finding new books."
Thanks for participating everyone!
~ Jordan
*Last time in Books and Stories: The Unexpected
