The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe
#1 in Robinson Crusoe Series
on Goodreads (319,639)
What’s inside...
The dramatic, vibrant illustrations of noted American artist N. C. Wyeth enhance this large-format edition of Daniel Defoe's classic tale. The thrilling saga of the English sailor marooned on a desert island, originally published in 1719, is retold here for children aged 4 to 8, who will be captivated by the castaway's adventures and struggle for survival.
Character compass
Robinson Crusoe
The English Captain
The Spanish Castaway
Xury
Friday
The Moorish Master
Discussion points
How do you think Robinson Crusoe felt when he was stranded on the island? Can you imagine how you would feel in a similar situation?
What creative ways did Crusoe use to solve problems on the island? Which one impressed you the most?
How did Crusoe's relationship with Friday change throughout the story? What do you think made them become friends?
If you were on a deserted island, what three items would you want to have with you, and why?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Robinson Crusoe's adventures and challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Crusoe's shoes while discussing the book to deepen their understanding of his emotions and decisions.
Highlight Crusoe's problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. Ask your child how they would approach similar challenges.
Discuss the theme of friendship and trust through Crusoe’s relationship with Friday, exploring the values of understanding and cooperation.
Use imaginative prompts to make the conversation more engaging, such as asking what your child would do on a deserted island.
Reinforce the lessons from the book about resilience and adaptability, encouraging your child to think about how these lessons can be applied in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: Robinson Crusoe demonstrates resourcefulness by learning to use the natural resources on the island to survive, such as making tools, shelter, and finding food.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to use what they have available to solve problems and make the best of challenging situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Crusoe faces many challenges and setbacks, yet he remains determined and perseveres to improve his life on the island.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of staying strong and never giving up, even when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Self-reliance
Explanation: The protagonist learns to rely on himself for survival and well-being, emphasizing independence and self-sufficiency.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to develop confidence in their abilities and encourage their independence as they work towards personal achievements.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Crusoe encounters various problems that require practical and innovative solutions, showcasing his ability to think critically.
Real-World Application: By seeing these examples, children can learn to approach their challenges with a problem-solving mindset, thinking critically to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Robinson Crusoe adapts to an entirely new environment, learning from the unfamiliar surroundings and changing his methods as necessary.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be flexible and adapt to new situations, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes in family dynamics.