This is a dumbed-down version of the original. This book would be much easier for a child to read on their own, but we preferred to read the original together and discuss the book as we went along so they could understand it. This version actually changes the story a little, and I don't like that. What we did like in this book were the illustrations, which are on each page. We would read the original, and look at the pics from this book at the same time.

Treasure Island was not one of my favorite books, but one thing that really got my attention was the adventure and mystery. Though I got lost in some parts of the book, my attention was also grabbed through most parts. Even though I did not give this book 5 stars, I feel like a lot of people would enjoy this book, so yes, I would recommend this book to my friends.

I can't believe that I had never read Treasure Island. It was referenced in another book I read and that made me pick it up. (It helped that my my son owned the book, so it took no effort...) There is a reason why this book is a classic. It is a well-written, interesting story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I found the "About the Author" in the front of this edition interesting as well. Stevenson was a frail young man and not being able to follow the family profession of engineering, he became a writer. It is said that he wrote Treasure Island for his stepson.

Recently I attended a fabulous production of a play version of Treasure Island and felt compelled to read the classic, which has been on my shelf since I was a kid but probably remained unread for all those many decades. It's a rousing, well-written adventure but too full of sea-faring terms for a midwestern landlubber like me. RLS's characters are standard action figures, even Jim the young narrator, but I forgive him that because of his vivid inn, island, and seascape and the thrill of the adventure.