Treasure Island

Take a well-read classic filled with larger-than-life characters and pair it with a master narrator. Voilà--you've got a brand-new classic. Alfred Molina's narration is like pulling up a chair next to a fire on a chilly night and being chilled all over again by Stevenson's tale of piracy on the high seas. Molina's portrayals are perfection. He's a careful observer in his depiction of young Jim Hawkins and just as easily becomes mild-mannered Dr. Livesey, blustery Squire Trelawney, and unctuous, rebellious Long John Silver. Nonstop action and suspense make this a perfect listen for all family members, who may begin to chime in with the many "yo-ho-hos." S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

August 31, 2009
Tim Gregory captures the essence of this classic coming-of-age tale featuring villainous buccaneers, buried treasure, murder, treachery and adventure on the high seas. We follow the exploits of young Jim Hawkins along his voyage for treasure aboard the Hispaniola
to his showdown with the villain Long John Silver on Treasure Island. Gregory introduces a host of uniquely rendered characters, with Silver and his pirates matching wits and weapons with Hawkins and his comrades as they battle for control of Treasure Island and a share of Captain Flint's long lost treasure. Gregory's rendering of the iconic characters—particularly the duplicitous Silver and the marooned and raving Ben Gunn—are nuanced, true to the text and utterly enjoyable. He avoids the easy clichés of the pirate genre and instead portrays complex characters in a performance that will delight listeners of all ages.

Renowned narrator/storyteller Jim Weiss presents two productions for the younger set. Tell Me a Story! is a collection of adaptations of seven well-known favorites, such as "The Bremen Town Musicians," "Goldilocks," and "The Little Red Hen," that will appeal to listeners in preschool through second grade. Treasure Island is an adaptation of the Stevenson classic, geared more toward older school-age children. Weiss is a talented and deservedly respected narrator. His voice is versatile in reading dialogue and expressive with narration. He infuses his performances with energy, enthusiasm, and expressiveness. Such a talent makes for an enjoyable listening experience for all. M.T.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

May 1, 2008
Gr 4 Up-Among the litany of popular pirate fare, Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale remains one of the best. This version, beautifully narrated by Alfred Molina, was a 2008 Odyssey Award Honor selection for excellence in audio production. Young Jim's introduction to a "gentleman of fortune's" world is captivating, energetic, and suspenseful. Long John Silver, the ruthless pirate who charms the crew, launches a mutiny in pursuit of hidden treasure, with Jim caught between the mutineers and the ship's sponsors. Molina's balanced intonation and subtle characterizations enhance Stevenson's text. Dramatic pacing keeps listeners on the edge of their gunwales. Pirates who stereotypically growl through their grog, here are rendered to induce a realistic fear of being drawn and quartered on the poop deck. Perhaps the finest sea adventure ever written, this audiobook is sure to be a hit with young buccaneers. And don't miss the afterword on the final CD, a well-written biography of Stevenson and his literary contributions.Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.