Island Adventure

© US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The themes of exploration and discovery have inspired many a writer, with Gulliver's Travels by Swift and Stevenson's Treasure Island being two of the most obvious examples. For young children 'Swiss Family Robinson' by J.D.Wyss will set their imaginations racing.

A Swiss pastor and his family find themselves stranded on an island, with little hope of rescue, and have to make the best of it.

The language is old-fashioned but accessible. Any element of unfamiliarity for modern children is more than made up for by the pace and inventiveness of the adventures the family have as they try to survive.

It's a classic, particularly suited to being read aloud but be warned - they'll be after backpacks and mosquito nets come birthday time.