The Jungle Books

Rudyard Kipling

The Jungle Books cover

Acquired

Publisher

Page Count

334

Format

ISBN

0-45152-340-7

The Jungle Books can be regarded as classic stories told by an adult to children. But they also constitute a complex literary work of art in which the whole of Kipling's philosophy of life is expressed in miniature. They are best known for the 'Mowgli' stories; the tale of a baby abandoned and brought up by wolves, educated in the ways and secrets of the jungle by Kaa the python, Baloo the bear, and Bagheera the black panther. The stories, a mixture of fantasy, myth, and magic, are underpinned by Kipling's abiding preoccupation with the theme of self-discovery, and the nature of the 'Law'. School Gr 3-6-- With over 20 editions in print, what would justify publishing, or purchasing, another Jungle Book ? The answer is clearly Alexander's splendid and technically ravishing watercolor illustrations. Their stylized borders and overall background patterns recall--without slavishly imitating--Indian textiles and Indian book illustrations. The stunningly vibrant hues (especially the hot pinks, oranges, and electric blues) allude to the traditional colors of India but appeal to contemporary tastes for high-voltage tints. The details are evocative but spare (their scale makes the human figures unintelligible at a distance, but the many animal portraits maintain their effect across a room). With the recent reappearance of the Disney version in video and cartoon knockoffs, this edition's fine graphic vision is doubly welcome. In these numerous vignettes per double-page depictions, India is again the rich and exotic country of Kipling's romantic creation. --Patricia Dooley, University of Washington, Seattle BookList - Sally Estes In 18 rich watercolor paintings, Pinkney captures the sheer drama of the eight Mowgli stories and of the well-loved "Rikki-tikki-tavi." A handsome volume for collections of classic tales. AudioFile - Robin F. Whitten Numerous recordings of The Jungle Books are available, from the comic book variety, to some good dramatizations, to several complete versions of KiplingÆs tales of Mowgli and his jungle friends. Under the new Big Ben imprint Wanda McCaddon provides a terrific addition to the choices available. McCaddon gives us a fresh reading lively, articulate and smooth. She gives Bagheera, the black panther; Sher Khan, the tiger; and the other jungle creatures marvelous accents which will entrance listeners of all ages. In this recording KiplingÆs literature has all the sparkle that has entertained generations. R.F.W. An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award winner ¬AudioFile, Portland, Maine AudioFile - Robin F. Whitten Numerous recordings of The Jungle Books are available, from the comic book variety, to some good dramatizations, to several complete versions of KiplingÆs tales of Mowgli and his jungle friends. Under the new Big Ben imprint Wanda McCaddon provides a terrific addition to the choices available. McCaddon gives us a fresh reading lively, articulate and smooth. She gives Bagheera, the black panther; Sher Khan, the tiger; and the other jungle creatures marvelous accents which will entrance listeners of all ages. In this recording KiplingÆs literature has all the sparkle that has entertained generations. R.F.W. An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award winner ¬AudioFile, Portland, Maine