Classic Children’s Books: Treasure Island

Robert Louis Stevenson weaves a teenage boy’s experiences and adventures in an un-put-down-able story. If your kids loved Captain Jack Sparrow, they’ll love this classic.

Treasure Island (1882)

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Often touted as a ‘boys’ book, ‘Treasure Island’ is replete with pirates, ships, fights, maps, treasure chests, exotic locations, buried gold and everything else that would appeal to the adventurous spirit of young boys.

The Plot

A young boy, Jim Hawkins, narrates his tales of adventure along a journey to a remote island in search of hidden treasure. Jim helps his parents run an inn and a series of events lead to a treasure map – and the death of his father. Jim and his companions, Squire Trelawney and Dr. Livesey, set out on the treasure hunt along with a few others.

Unfortunately, their crew includes a group of pirates led by the dangerous and evil Captain Long John Silver, who spins a plot to kill Jim and his group. A bloody fight ensues between the two gangs on the ship as well as the island. A marooned sailor on the island already knows the treasure’s secret location. Jim is now faced with the challenge of using his wit to save both his life and the treasure.

Whom should he trust? Who will finally get to take home the treasure? The narrative runs like a hard-core action movie with a lot of suspense and drama thrown in.

Why Your Kids Will Love It

This pirate saga is best enjoyed by older children and pre-teens who can read it at leisure. The characters, however fantastical they may be, seem life-like and very ‘there’. The fast-paced action and adventure make ‘Treasure Island’ a compelling page-turner.

Some passages however, may need parental guidance. The language is a tad difficult to understand and high on old-world pirate slang and metaphors – the glossary and a dictionary would come in handy.

If your kids loved Captain Jack Sparrow, they'll love this classic.

Why You Will Love It

Owing to its fine use of language and literary style, ‘Treasure Island’ has been included in most school curricula. The novel offers a fair dose of moral lessons on virtue, courage and the likes, as well as a historical peek into 18th Century England.

Despite that, the book can readily be devoured for sheer entertainment value. Reading and understanding the book is as much a challenge as a thrilling experience – it is a superb read for people across all age groups.

Also By The Same Author:

• Kidnapped
• The Black Arrow

Copyright © Shuchi Kalra

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.

This article may be reproduced with the complete author bio and a link back to http://www.lovingyourchild.com

Additional resources:

• Treasure Island Movie (1950) by Disney

Image source Wikipedia

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