Treasure Island
(Libby/OverDrive eComic, Kindle)

Gr. 5-9. This is one of the best in the picture-book-size Scribner Storybook Classic series. True to the spirit of Stevenson's timeless novel, Timothy Meis' abridged retelling captures the bloody action of mutiny on the high seas and the cutthroat quest for hidden treasure. The story is told through the eyes of brave cabin boy Jim, who fights off the murderous pirates and bonds with their one-legged leader, Long John Silver. Wyeth's thrilling, handsomely reproduced paintings, originally done in 1911, will attract a variety of readers, including some older high-schoolers. In dark shades of brown and red, the pictures focus on the grim, exciting struggle on board the ship and on the island. At the same time, there's a burning golden glow in the background of almost every scene, keeping readers in mind of the treasure that drives the wild action. The most unforgettable painting--and one of Wyeth's most famous--is the melancholy scene of Jim leaving home as his mother weeps in the background. It's the elemental adventure. --Hazel Rochman Copyright 2003 Booklist

Sure, this summer's flick Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End may have visual splash, but a new recording of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, read by Alfred Molina, serves up a swashbuckling listening experience for the whole family. Molina's British accent, smooth delivery and inviting tone of wide-eyed adventure whisk readers on deck with teenage narrator/protagonist Jim Hawkins. His depictions of gruff seamen and the program's occasional snippets of sea chantey music further color the proceedings. A bonus essay by maritime scholar David Cordingly is included. (Listening Library, unabridged, six CDs, seven hours $29.95 ISBN 9780-7393-5046-1 ages 9-up; July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Gr 2-5-This fast-paced, pared down "storyteller's version" of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic will captivate listeners thanks to Jim Weiss's ability to bring a story to life. Weiss begins by briefly discussing Stevenson's life and explaining how the celebrated author came to create the novel. After this fine introduction, he treats listeners to an entertaining adaptation of the adventure that is easy to follow. Young Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map and takes to the high seas to claim the treasure. Battling Hawkins is a vindictive group of pirates led by the duplicitous peg-legged Long John Silver. Weiss has fun with the characters, especially the boisterous Silver, the shrill Ben Gunn, and a parrot that loves squawking "Pieces of Eight! Pieces of Eight!" He uses his voice effectively when describing both the terror Hawkins feels hiding from bad guys and the sudden noise of a gun battle. Jim Weiss ends by telling kids to find the book at their local library. An hour long program cannot do complete justice to Stevenson's classic, but this skillful presentation will encourage young listeners to read Treasure Island.-Brian E. Wilson, Evanston Public Library, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

These adaptations are so poor that it is a disgrace for the original author's name to appear on the book; the old classic comic-book renditions had more integrity. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Stevenson's prototypical swashbuckling story receives a traditional treatment in this unabridged, oversize version. Lawrence evokes the essence of classic adventure stories with his vinyl-cut illustrations, as thick black shapes are tempered by muted tones of blue, gold and green. The grimacing faces of pirates are appropriately blemished and begrimed, elegant vessels are seen moored under a starry sky and the island's wild intrigue is captured in subtle, grainy glimpses. As they follow Jim Hawkins to sea, readers will feel they've discovered a true relic with this edition. Ages 9–14. (Oct.)