Customer Reviews

Treasure Island (Candlewick Illustrated Classic)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're in the market for a copy of Treasure Island, this is the edition to buy. It is worth every penny and reminds me of the amazing old books with the stunning color plates that make them so sought after and valuable.

I found this while searching for classics to whet the appetite of the students in our class, many of whom are devouring the Percy Jackson series (Lightening Thief). I am happy to see how that particular series is whetting their appetite for the Greek Myths. D'Aulaires "Book of Greek Myths" is once again flying off the school library shelf as a result. But the modern language of the Percy Jackson series kept nagging me, i.e."Hillary Duff's so yesterday." Also, in "The Titan's Curse", Dionysus is referred to as the "Wine Dude". Dionysus threatens to put the next person who calls him that nickname into a bottle of Merlot.

Please don't misread me, I think the series is engaging and highly educational. Rick Riordon's humor is right on point. I love hearing the kids laugh aloud as they read his books. A new generation is being inspired to delve more deeply into Greek mythology because of one amazingly creative author.

I just wanted to inspire the students with a classic book on its own merit, not because they heard of the story in a hugely popular modern book. "Treasure Island" came first to mind as I began my search. It has all the bawdy and raucous action and language of "The Lightening Thief". And like Percy Jackson, Jim Hawkins' command of the English language balances out the colloquialism's of his pirate companions. When I saw this on display in a local bookstore I couldn't believe my eyes.

John Lawrence's artistic vision & gift put this book over the top. On the back cover flap Lawrence says, "The months I've spent in the company of Robert Louis Stevenson's characters have been exhilarating, and I hope something of my excitement comes across in these illustrations." I can say without reservation that that is exactly what he accomplished. The illustrations are exhilarating and compelling. In some way I would say they do more justice to the story than any film rendition.

So far this book has passed the test. My Percy Jackson readers can't wait to get their hands on this book during free time. I'm thinking of purchasing a second copy to keep up with demand.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. I hope more readers young and old rediscover Treasure Island because of John Lawrence's new and refreshing visual take on a wonderful old classic.

Highly recommended to all bibliophiles!!!

I bought this to read to my kids. They aren't quite old enough yet to understand it yet, as the language is not modernized for todays children, so I just had a ball reading it myself. I had some paperback of Treasure Island as a kid with cartoon pictures illustrating it. This is way more fun. I loved the illustrations and their style just seems to fit the story. It adds a lot to this children's classic. The story itself is a classic, and needs no review. If you actually like the story, and want to have a copy to read to children or just to look good on your bookshelf, this is the one to get.

This is a very good book which I gave to my grandson. I love the story as it is so colorful and meaty. He is reading it now. The only thing I wish is that it weren't so large, which was the only surprise. But a lot would be lost if it were. Very personable book.