One of the illustrations published in the book The Little Prince was drawn by Liu Mingiu's granddaughter. [cyol.com]

A leading Chinese scholar and specialist in French literature has published a new Mandarin translation of The Little Prince, the classic children's novel, produced with the help of his 12-year-old granddaughter.

According to Liu Mingjiu, 82, he said that he wanted to express his love for his granddaughter by doing something special. Therefore, he accepted an invitation from China Children Press to help translate the book back in 2005, which was finally published this August.

Liu said his granddaughter made around 52 illustrations to go with the latest version, which tells the story of a little boy trapped on a distant moon with just a few friends for company.

Despite trouble with his health, Liu says he still retains a great passion for translating. After finishing the first draft, the academic e-mailed his editors every day giving them suggestions to help with revisions.

One of the illustrations published in the book The Little Prince was drawn by Liu Mingiu's granddaughter. [cyol.com]

(Source: cyol.com/Translated and edited by Women of China)

Editor: Jane Wang