Around the World in Eighty Days

Ladybird Children’s Classics

Author: Jules Verne (adapted by Joyce Faraday) / Illustrator: Kathie Layfield

Ladybird Classics are versions of popular classic stories which have been specially adapted for a younger audience. This book is based on the original story ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ by Jules Verne which was first published in 1873.

The story involves a group of travelers that are making their way around the world using every available type of transport. The main character is called Phileas Fogg and he believes that it is possible for someone to travel around the world in 80 days. The members of his club do not agree, so he makes a bet for £20,000 that he can do it. On October 2nd 1872, Fogg leaves London with his loyal French valet Jean Passepartout and promises to return by December 21st.

Along the way, they meet Detective Fix from Scotland Yard. He is searching for a bank robber and suspects Fogg could be the thief.

Fogg also befriends an Indian Princess called Aouda. She is a widow and is due to be burned with her husband’s body. Fogg and Passpartout agree to help her escape and she asks to travel with them in search of her family.

I enjoyed this adventure story. The language is easy to understand and the colourful illustrations help you to imagine what is happening and the exciting places that Fogg visits. I don’t know if this is exactly like the original story but it was a good way for me to discover the story without being too complicated or old-fashioned.

My score: 5/5