Czech-American author Peter Sís is one of the most distinctive picture-book authors working today. His latest is a simply worded, stunningly illustrated story about a young boy who plays pirates with his friends but on costume day at school his mother convinces him to go as Robinson Crusoe instead of a pirate. His friends make fun of his costume and when he goes home sick, he dreams that he has become Robinson Crusoe. In his dream, he travels to a deserted island, survives there and befriends the native animals. But strangers come to the island – will they be friend or foe?

Sís’s stories are often based on his own experiences and this one is no exception. At the back of the book is a photo of the author in costume as Robinson Crusoe as a child. He remembers that the other children did make fun of him and that he went home with a fever and had vivid dreams of adventure.

This is a delightful picture book with a gentle message about respecting individuality and with beautiful watercolour paintings that can be pored over. Suitable for children aged 3 and up.

Angela Crocombe is the shop mananger at Readings Kids.