Climb aboard for the swashbuckling adventure of a lifetime. Treasure Islandhas enthralled (and caused slight seasickness) for decades. The names Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins are destined to remain pieces of folklore for as long as children want to read Robert Louis Stevenson's most famous book. With it's dastardly plot and motley crew of rogues and villains, it seems unlikely that children will ever say no to this timeless classic.
From School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up-The archetypal sea-faring adventure story is given another rousing and dramatic rendition in this quickly paced abridged entry in Hodder's top-flight Classic Collection series. The critical plot and subplot threads have been beautifully retained, and all the classic lines like "shiver me timbers" have been included. Stalwart English actor Richard Griffiths handles the bulk of the narrative chores flawlessly and is particularly effective in his pacing. He is capably assisted by Gareth Armstrong who, inexplicably, is uncredited on the cassette case. The subtle use of occasional sound effects such as gulls, lapping waves, and cannon and gunshot enhances this superb version of Stevenson's masterpiece. All collections should make room for this fine work.Barry X. Miller, Austin Public Library, TXCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Parents' Choice®
The St. Charles Players enthusiastically perform this rollicking re-telling of the classic tale of adventure on the high seas. The production evokes Long John Silver's pirate ship through compelling sound effects and music, though it contains some violence and may not be suitable for younger children. Recommended for ages 10 and up. A 1999 Parents' Choice® Recommendation. (Parents' Choice®)
From AudioFile
The famous movie portrayals of Long John Silver have led us to expect a particular cadence to the pirate's voice. But shiver me timbers, reader David Case surprises us with a different, but no less effective, variation on the devious and murderous rascal. His Silver and other characterizations are crisply presented in well-paced British intonations. The package offers no sound effects or other elaborations, but the story flies along regardless; this is a very good version of the children's favorite. D.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
Review
"Over Treasure Island I let my fire die in winter without knowing I was freezing."
Review
"Over Treasure Island I let my fire die in winter without knowing I was freezing."
Book Description
On the ultimate treasure hunt young Jim Hawkins finds himself battling the
infamous Long John Silver in this illustrated, easy-reading adaptation of the
classic pirate yarn. Reading level: 2.5.
Card catalog description
An innkeeper's son finds a treasure map that leads him to a pirate's fortune.
From the Publisher
Hodder Headline Audiobooks presents abridged readings of some of the finest in drama, classic literature, popular fiction, poetry, children¹s stories, and religious and inspirational works. Among Hodder Headline¹s outstanding cast of readers and performers are Kenneth Branagh, Juliet Stevenson, Simon Callow, Stephen Fry, and Dame Judi Dench. Each set of cassettes is beautifully packaged and shrink-wrapped.
From the Inside Flap
On the ultimate treasure hunt young Jim Hawkins finds himself battling the infamous Long John Silver in this illustrated, easy-reading adaptation of the classic pirate yarn. Reading level: 2.5.
Treasure Island ANNOTATION
While going through the possessions of a deceased guest who owed them money, the mistress of the inn and her son find a treasure map that leads them to a pirate's fortune. Includes illustrated notes throughout the text explaining the historical background of the story.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
First published over a century ago, this extraordinary tale of long-lost treasure and revenge remains one of the most memorable in classic literature. In this unabridged gift edition, two-time Cladecott Medal-winning illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon capture perfectly the grandeur, beauty and perils of Captain Nemo's underwater world.
SYNOPSIS
Set sail to the heart of adventure with cabin boy, Jim Hawkins, aboard the legendary scoundrel, Captain Long John Silver. A secret treasure map becomes the key to heart-pounding thrills, danger and swashbuckling action as a boy faces the high seas and the grandest pirate of all in the adventure of a life time.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
The Scribner Storybook Classic line adds Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, abridged by Timothy Meis, with vintage illustrations by N.C. Wyeth. Young Jim Hawkins finds a treasure map and follows it to South America, only to wind up in the hands of the notorious pirate Long John Silver. Climactic scenes of aggressive mutineers or the hero's valiant attempt to keep the evil Mr. Hands at bay come alive in Wyeth's atmospheric oil paintings. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot
In another classic story, Ron Miller has retold of Professor Aronnax's time as a guest/prisoner of Captain Nemo aboard the submarine Nautilus. In addition to the exciting story, readers are offered plenty of information about the period, whaling, undersea life, diving suits and submarines through factual insets that are accompanied by photographs, paintings, drawings, maps and artifacts. It is more than the story, it is a lesson in history, social studies, oceanography and more. The most amazing fact is that this story was written in 1870 when science and technology had yet to produce submarines or scuba equipment and the many other things of which Captain Nemo was so proud. Verne was a true visionary and one of the earliest science fiction writers; this underwater saga continues to fascinate readers more than a hundred years after publication. This title and others in the "Eyewitness Classics" series are a wonderful way to introduce today's kids to yesterday's great stories.
Children's Literature - Childrens Literature
A glorious adventure set in the day of the infamous pirate Long John Silver. It is when young Jim Hawkins encounters an "Old Sea Dog" by the name of Billy Bones that his adventures begin. The death of Billy Bones, early in the story, brings Jim into contact with Dr. Livesey and the Squire. Upon the discovery of a treasure map among the belongings of Billy Bones, they decide that the three of them--Jim, Dr. Livesey and the Squire--will sail for this island where it has been discovered that the notorious Captain Flint buried his treasure. Long John Silver, in an attempt to get the treasure, comes on board their ship, the Hispaniola. Amazingly enough, it is the young Hawkins who is the spoiler of Silver's plan and one of the heroes of the story. Stevenson writes with such color and detail that the reader is transported onto the ship and into Jim Hawkins' adventure. In addition to the story, this edition of this timeless classic has a wonderful foreword written by Newberry author Avi. 2000, Aladdin Classics, Ages 7 to Adult, $7.98, $15.98, $6.95, $3.99. Reviewer: John D. Orsborn
School Library Journal
Gr 3-5-Stripped down from the original, this version reads smoothly enough for younger readers to get the plot and essential characters straight and the oversized format gives the story and pictures import. But 14 Wyeth illustrations, murkily reproduced and in a garishly yellowed tint, hardly convey the artist's full-color, masterful, and classic depictions of the action. To see the real pictures, suggest that children look at the version published by Atheneum (1981). They might even read the whole story.-Susan Hepler, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.
AudioFile
Jim Hawkins, son of the proprietor of the Admiral Benbow Inn, is fascinated by a mysterious seaman who takes up lodging. The visitor's death leads to the discovery of a treasure map, setting Jim on the course that leads him to Long John Silver and the search for Captain Kidd's treasure. Michael Prichard reads this famous adventure story with the wistful quality of an adult looking back on a childhood adventure. The voices of pirates live up to the clichés--many of which were set by this yarn--but Prichard gives Silver a touch of humanity. Listeners who enjoyed PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN might check out this original pirate tale. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine