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jess_6014's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
mpclemens's review against another edition
3.0
Having only been exposed to the Disneyfied version of these stories -- and having recently read [b:The Graveyard Book|2213661|The Graveyard Book|Neil Gaiman|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1303859949s/2213661.jpg|2219449] -- I decided it was time to fill in this gaps in my "classic literature" knowledge. Kipling's love of the form is evident, though these stories lack the wit of [b:Just So Stories|34053|Just So Stories|Rudyard Kipling|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328046627s/34053.jpg|2475078], the only other work that I'm readily familiar with. Mowgli's story is probably most familiar, though in the edition I read, the tales are told non-chronologically, which saps them of some of their dramatic tension. I could have given "The White Seal" a pass: it's not bad, but nothing outstanding, either. My favorites were "Toomai of the Elephants" and "Her Majesty's Servants," the former for its portrait of life from the child of an elephant herder, and the latter as Kipling shows his touch in giving the animals distinct and appropriate comic personalities.
apochemu's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't know that this is actually a collection of short stories. Half the book is actually The Jungle Book then the last half is stories about different animals. My favorites were the seal and the mongoose, Gabe's were the mongoose and the main story about Mowgli. I think when I do this book again with Vinny I'll skip the last story and the elephant story.
singalana's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book definitely isn't like a Disney movie, and I feel almost sad after reading this, as it ends with a song of the army's camp animals.
Despite the story collection's name, not all stories are of Mowgli and his animal friends. Most stories are set in India, and about half of them have animals as protagonists. Despite this, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend these stories for smaller children, as they can be quite violent.
The author is a bit controversial, as his books depict the time when the British ruled India. Colonialism is also present in this book, and some might even argue that the story about the seal conveys a certain message about whiteness.
I must say that, in my opinion, the book conveyed a certain love for India. The stories were easy to read, and the language did have its moments. My favourite tale was about a mongoose, and even though it was one of the most violent ones, there was something beautiful about it. Still, I can’t help but feel saddened about how people treat animals in this book. I’m unsure if the author tried to convey a message about that, but it made me think.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Abandonment, Blood, Colonisation, and Death
megexpress's review against another edition
5.0
Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book is nothing like the Disney movie we’ve all come to know and love. However, this isn’t a bad thing in the least. Whereas Disney’s The Jungle Book is centered on Mowgli, Kipling’s original is actually a series of short stories, only a few of which include Mowgli. The characters themselves are also quite different from their Disney counterparts. Baloo is not a bumbling bear but a teacher of sorts. Kaa is not bad per se, although you do not want to get on his bad side. Also, the wolves are not as innocent in the story as the Disney version makes you believe. The Jungle Book is quite an easy read, as it is a children’s story, but sometimes a little levity and simplicity is required. The stories themselves are short (approximately 20 pages each), and the writing level is not difficult to comprehend. The book is small and thin enough to carry around with you in your pocket instead of lugging around a heavier book. As long as you do not carry over your ideas from the animated film over to the book (or vice versa), both will remain enjoyable.
jasmyn9's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
orphan_annie01's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
ali_enza's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing the differences between this original and the beloved disney film. The differences were striking but well thought out.
I enjoyed the book immensely for its use of characters, animals and children as a allegory of the world of the era.
It was striking and amazingly done.
I really enjoyed Mowgli and his adventures immensely.
I enjoyed the book immensely for its use of characters, animals and children as a allegory of the world of the era.
It was striking and amazingly done.
I really enjoyed Mowgli and his adventures immensely.
paperqueen69's review against another edition
3.0
Didn't really like the other stories that weren't about Mowgli.