Classic Children’s Books: Robinson Crusoe

‘Robinson Crusoe’ may have been inspired from a true-life-account of Scottish sailor, Alexander Selkirk, who got washed ashore on a remote island in the early 1700s and was rescued several years later. You sure don’t want to deprive your kids of a classic of this magnitude!

Robinson Crusoe (1719)

Author: Daniel Defoe

This one is arguably an original in the league of island adventures. How often have you been asked, “What would you do if you were marooned on a deserted island?” And how often have you heard people referring to their domestic help or office assistants as “Man Friday?” These phrases originated from ‘Robinson Crusoe’(I guess it would be safe to term them ‘Cusoe-isms’).

The Plot

Despite resistance from his family, eighteen-year-old Robinson Crusoe chooses the path of adventure and embarks upon a sea voyage that will change the course of his life forever. Once away from home, Crusoe travels across several countries and establishes himself as a successful trader.

However, during one fateful voyage, his vessel is shipwrecked and he is thrown ashore a deserted island. With whatever he can gather from the shipwreck, Crusoe manages to build a camp, grow some crops and rear animals. He spends close to twenty-eight years on the island with no human contact – until he encounters a group of cannibals!

By saving a man from being eaten by the savages, he earns himself a grateful friend and servant and names him ‘Friday.’ Will Robinson Crusoe ever get to see the face of human civilization again, or will he continue to lead a lonely existence on the island?

What would you do if you were marooned on a deserted island?

Why The Kids Will Love It

Robinson Crusoe, like most adventure novels, is engaging (albeit a bit lengthy in places.) Since the novel is written in first-person narrative, kids may find it easier to relate to the protagonist’s emotions as well as the happenings.

The language used is rather old-fashioned (understandable, since the novel was written three centuries ago) but not too difficult to understand. There are some references to religion and slavery that may require some background explanation. The novel will be best enjoyed by adolescents and teens.

Why You Will Love It

The story, although interspersed with adult situations and outdated concepts, is age-appropriate. Through its narrative, the book delves into sections of history that are not taught in school. In a very subtle way, the author brings out sensitive issues like slavery and Christianity as they were perceived centuries ago.

Robinson Crusoe’s father advises him that a conventional existence is the safest bet, and that a quest for adventure will always land him into trouble – a sentiment that many Indian parents will endorse – and their children question – today.

Shuchi Kalra is a freelance writer based in India. Her works have been published several online and print publications- both in India and abroad. She also writes content for websites, businesses and portals. She is currently working on a short-story anthology.