Illustrated Classics Edition; original by Johann Wyss (1813)

As I looked at my fairly extensive library of Illustrated Classics, I wanted to choose the most fitting and entertaining story for my five- and seven-year old kids. They’ve finally come to the point where they really enjoy listening to non-picture-book stories (for example, audio stories in the car), so I wanted the perfect choice to help them delve into chapter-books. The Swiss Family Robinson is a classic tale of “survival” starring children and animals, so what better way to prep them?

While I’ve seen the movie and mostly knew what to expect from the story, my initial (and constant) reactions to the tale in book form (albeit, not the original) were: “They kill everything!” and “Their work takes literally no effort at all.” But then my son told me one evening, “I so love this book.” And then I realized that the book isn’t written for me, a critic at heart. It’s “an Instructional Book for Children and Their Friends in City or Country,” as Wyss’ original titles states. And it’s definitely not written for the average adult in 2018 either. It’s just a classic tale of adventure that one shouldn’t question too deeply. It answers everyone’s “What if?” fantasies about being stranded on a desert isle in the most splendid way and with the best of luck, even far beyond the good fortune Robinson Crusoe experienced in similar circumstances.

In recent years, I’ve come to love nature more than I ever have, probably due to my tropical living. But still, I’m not all an “animal lover.” I get this pessimism from my mom, who always poo-pooed pet owners for taking better care of their animals than most parents do for their kids. I cringe at commercials or news spots decrying the poor treatment of animals somewhere in the world, all the while abortion remains legal and people are castigated for speaking out against it. Those are the roots to my hesitancy to love animals, and I’m OK with that.

But still, after having watched the Disney adaptation of this book, even I was struck by the brutality with which the filmmakers and cast treated those poor animals! And honestly, the book isn’t any better. Father and sons will be tramping through the jungle (or oddly enough, the desert), and then spot something straight ahead. “Oh, here’s a strange and beautiful creature that we’ve never seen before and know nothing about. She’s so friendly! Let’s shoot her.” I just had to laugh every time I came across something like this, because it just doesn’t translate well into 2018, even for me!

I wouldn’t advise parents to use this book as Wyss intended, to instruct your city or country children about animals or survival. His collection of animals on this special island is beyond ridiculous, the kangaroos and tigers cavorting with the buffalo and ostriches. And the things these people are able to invent are too fantastic to appreciate. But again, if your turn off your brain and read with childlike wonder, it certainly can be a fun and entertaining read. For that purpose, I don’t mind recommending it.

©2018 E.T.