Robinson Crusoe, Jr. : A story for little folks

Robert Gray is a clever Riverdale boy who spends his afternoons in his father's carpentry shop, building water‑wheels, carts, and other odd inventions. On his eleventh birthday he receives a copy of the famous castaway tale, and he reads it in a few days, seeing the lone survivor as a model of daring self‑reliance. The story sparks Robert’s imagination, and he begins to picture himself living on a remote island, crafting shelter and hunting for food.

He tells his friend Frank about the idea, debating whether life without comforts like doughnuts or a mother’s care would be tolerable. Their lively exchange reveals Robert’s bold plans—building a hut, catching fish, even imagining a ‘Man Friday’ among any strangers who might appear. Yet the conversation also hints at the harsh realities of isolation, from sudden storms to sickness, that even the brightest mind must face. Listeners will hear how Robert’s adventurous spirit meets the practical challenges of turning a beloved story into a personal dream.