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andalicesays's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
missbookiverse's review against another edition
3.0
Just So Stories is a collection of rather funny stories that explain how certain things in the world happened: how the alphabet was made up, how the armadillo came into existence, how the elephant got its trunk, how the wild dog became the pet dog we know today and more.
Reading those stories was sometimes a little difficult because of the old language but as Mister Kipling had made up those stories for his children the tales were rather simple and easy to understand, especially with all the repetition.
Mister Kipling added poems and pictures and descriptions of those pictures to every single story. The poems were a little unnecessary as they mostly retold the story in verses but still funny while the drawings turned out to be hilarious in connection with their very detailed written description.
The stories themselves are cute, creative and funny. If you like animals and are up for some silly stuff, this is your perfect in-between read.
Something that confused me was a swastika in one of the drawings. I doubt that it is supposed to have a racist meaning (especially considering the time the book was written in) but being from Germany I always look at those signs with 2 very suspicious eyes.
One thing I have to complain about is the Wordsworth Edition I have of this book. It looks quite cheaply put together which would be okay if there weren't so many typos throughout the book, it became quite annoying.
Reading those stories was sometimes a little difficult because of the old language but as Mister Kipling had made up those stories for his children the tales were rather simple and easy to understand, especially with all the repetition.
Mister Kipling added poems and pictures and descriptions of those pictures to every single story. The poems were a little unnecessary as they mostly retold the story in verses but still funny while the drawings turned out to be hilarious in connection with their very detailed written description.
The stories themselves are cute, creative and funny. If you like animals and are up for some silly stuff, this is your perfect in-between read.
Something that confused me was a swastika in one of the drawings. I doubt that it is supposed to have a racist meaning (especially considering the time the book was written in) but being from Germany I always look at those signs with 2 very suspicious eyes.
One thing I have to complain about is the Wordsworth Edition I have of this book. It looks quite cheaply put together which would be okay if there weren't so many typos throughout the book, it became quite annoying.
tabindatouseef's review against another edition
2.0
I wish I read this when I was 5 but alas I am 25 and unimpressed.
apochemu's review against another edition
3.0
He's a great writer and most of the stories were fun and whimsical. It definitely dragged out though with the last several stories. The illustrations in this edition were a nice added touch.
littleroseygirl's review against another edition
4.0
Cute, funny stories that are perfect for bedtime.
24marsha's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't read them all but the "pourqouis" stories are really fun. Stories about animals that explain why certain things are the way they are. Loved the Elephant Child.
thewallflower00's review against another edition
2.0
I think I got this because I was going to read The Jungle Book (which is still on my list) in preparation for The Graveyard Book. This is a collection of stories about racial stereotypes. It's always funny to read old stories and how blatantly racist they are. I know racism is wrong, but it's basically unavoidable. And these stories come from a time when there weren't any political activists or special interest groups that dedicate themselves to what words you can or can't use, instead of useful things like the economy.
Anyway, back on track here. The problem with this book is I've heard all these stories before, so I was able to zip through it. The ones I haven't heard, well, now I know why. Especially the one which is basically about a father and daughter inventing the alphabet. I could have lived without reading this, but it's still nice to have it as a notch on the bookshelf. Sometimes I wonder why I read these old books.
Anyway, back on track here. The problem with this book is I've heard all these stories before, so I was able to zip through it. The ones I haven't heard, well, now I know why. Especially the one which is basically about a father and daughter inventing the alphabet. I could have lived without reading this, but it's still nice to have it as a notch on the bookshelf. Sometimes I wonder why I read these old books.
ozblom24's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jaminnj's review against another edition
3.0
I have read this through several times and each time I enjoy it more. The first time I read it out loud to my children I definitely didn't enjoy reading it to them in a way that made it enjoyable to them. But over the years, my reading of it has become more familiar and their enjoyment of it has become deeper. So, read this one through a bit before you read it out loud.. enjoy the production that Rudyard Kipling has directed with words on a page.. the exagerations, the funny moments and trust his "flow" of words, poems, songs, explanations and clear enjoyment of telling this tales. Be amused while stretching to believe it could be true... and present this to your children with all the serious theatrics you can muster, my Best Beloved.
hollyberry_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs