THE JUNGLE BOOK & JUST SO STORIES

THE JUNGLE BOOK & JUST SO STORIES by Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling. Isn't just saying his name tons of fun? As a child I loved The Jungle Book movie, the Just So Stories, and I was mesmerized by Rikki Tikki Tavi, the little mongoose who saved his family from Nag and Nagaina.The faraway adventures set in the climate of India. It was time to pull out the book and read it.

Not surprisingly, there are some clear differences between the Disney movie and Kipling's writings. Some of the differences I was disappointed in, but some of them were very thought provoking especially the part about Mowgli's interactions with the monkey people. He is attracted to and defends the flattery they have heaped upon his head. Baloo and Bagheera, Mowgli's bear and panther teacher/companions, immediately reprimand Mowgli for speaking to them, because there is a very clear Law of the Jungle that the monkeys refuse to obey. In fact they have no law, no order, and because of that, to the rest of the jungle creatures, they are outcasts. This really caused me to pause and think how many people are attracted to the idea of no boundaries, no restraint, no law, no order. It's not long after this exchange that the monkeys snag Mowgli, and he learns first hand what it is like to live in such a chaotic social structure.

The Jungle Book story takes up about a third of the book. The second third of the book contains some miscellaneous animal stories that are quite fun and interesting such as Rikki Tikki Tavi. The last third is made up of the Just So Stories that highlight Kipling's amusing ideas of how different animal characteristics came to be.

All in all, if you have a child that loves animal stories, adventure in foreign settings, and a healthy dose of whimsy, than The Jungle Book just might be a great fit.

One quick side note! Later on in life I learned about Rudyard Kipling's powerful poem entitled "If." If you are not familiar with it, get a copy! It is fantastic!

HEADS UP- There are some light references to religious beliefs of the people of India at the time. There are also some light magic references in a couple of the Just So Stories. If you have a child that struggles with any animal cruelty even from an animal to animal standpoint, this would not be your book! Kaa hypnotizes several monkeys and you know what happens, seal hunters club a group of young seals, etc.