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danielle_2910's review
4.0
4/5 - I really enjoyed this book! To begin with, all of the short stories were wonderful and the accompanying illustrations were gorgeous. All of the familiar characters from the Jungle Book are included and a few of those are given great back story that allowed me to feel more acquainted with them. I especially enjoyed Baloo's story and the underlying meaning behind it as well as the last story which somehow managed bring together all of the stories and provided a brilliant ending to the story.
bellisdoesbooks's review
5.0
This is a wonderful series of five stories, as told to Mowgli as he makes his way through the jungle (trying to evade Mother Wolf and the telling off he thinks is coming!) Each story is narrated by one of the animals and tells the backstory of one of the others, with the stories giving a brilliant new depth to each of the characters, while at the same time staying true to Kipling's original depictions of them.
Mother Wolf's story is one of the reckless invincibility of youth, female ferocity, loyalty and love. Bagheera's solemn, often solitary nature is perfectly explained by his story - one of loss, freedom and the ways of the wild. Kaa's story was the most surprising to me, while Baloo's was without a doubt my absolute favourite of the bunch - a story of intelligence, courage, defying expectations and challenging preconceptions. While Shere Khan doesn't have his own chapter, his story also threads through the book and, like Baloo's, is one of the ones that I enjoyed most.
Mowgli's own character - one of a typical child: selfish, blunt and arrogant at times; carefree, mischievous and friendly at others, but always full of life - is gradually drawn from each of these encounters before the final chapter shows just how much of life, loyalty, courage and respect he has learned from his jungle family.
These individual stories weave together as the book progresses to create the central plot of the book, which has a much more modern feel to it, despite still being rooted in the characters and events of the original. It is an exciting and colourful tale which comes to a head quickly, as quick-thinking, creativity and teamwork make for a dramatic and gripping finale. It has all the ingredients needed to be a hit with young readers today, whether they are familiar with the original or not.
Important messages about diversity and celebrating differences, as well as the impact of man on nature, run through the book too and are written into the story in the very best way: it's not at all shouty, preachy or shoe-horned in, but it makes the points in no uncertain terms that, as Bagheera finds: "To be alive is to be wild and various."
Full of warmth, humour and life, and perfectly complemented by beautiful, bold illustrations - this is an adventure for all ages. Those familiar with Kipling's Jungle Book will relish the chance to delve deeper into some of our favourite characters, and for those unfamiliar with the original this is a perfect introduction to whet the appetite or a thoroughly enjoyable stand alone story bursting with jungle life.
Mother Wolf's story is one of the reckless invincibility of youth, female ferocity, loyalty and love. Bagheera's solemn, often solitary nature is perfectly explained by his story - one of loss, freedom and the ways of the wild. Kaa's story was the most surprising to me, while Baloo's was without a doubt my absolute favourite of the bunch - a story of intelligence, courage, defying expectations and challenging preconceptions. While Shere Khan doesn't have his own chapter, his story also threads through the book and, like Baloo's, is one of the ones that I enjoyed most.
Mowgli's own character - one of a typical child: selfish, blunt and arrogant at times; carefree, mischievous and friendly at others, but always full of life - is gradually drawn from each of these encounters before the final chapter shows just how much of life, loyalty, courage and respect he has learned from his jungle family.
These individual stories weave together as the book progresses to create the central plot of the book, which has a much more modern feel to it, despite still being rooted in the characters and events of the original. It is an exciting and colourful tale which comes to a head quickly, as quick-thinking, creativity and teamwork make for a dramatic and gripping finale. It has all the ingredients needed to be a hit with young readers today, whether they are familiar with the original or not.
Important messages about diversity and celebrating differences, as well as the impact of man on nature, run through the book too and are written into the story in the very best way: it's not at all shouty, preachy or shoe-horned in, but it makes the points in no uncertain terms that, as Bagheera finds: "To be alive is to be wild and various."
Full of warmth, humour and life, and perfectly complemented by beautiful, bold illustrations - this is an adventure for all ages. Those familiar with Kipling's Jungle Book will relish the chance to delve deeper into some of our favourite characters, and for those unfamiliar with the original this is a perfect introduction to whet the appetite or a thoroughly enjoyable stand alone story bursting with jungle life.
kellysrambles's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed reading my eARC of this book (thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Children’s books!). These stories are so vivid and I loved being back on the page with some of my favourite characters. It was really interesting to get Katherine Rundell’s version of Bagheera, Kaa, Baloo, Mowgli, Shere Khan and other well known favourites and get a glimpse into their backgrounds. I’ve laid my hands on a finished copy of this book and it has the most STUNNING illustrations. Definitely a book to add to the collection of any Jungle Book fans!
nietzschesghost's review against another edition
4.0
Not only is this a book that introduces children to the wonderful world of 'The Jungle Book', it can easily be enjoyed by adults too. Katherine Rundell has provided a prequel and companion to Rudyard Kipling's classic novel which is loved by so many and by doing so manages to put her own individual stamp on the characters, from bear Baloo and Bengal tiger, Shere Khan to Indian rock python Kaa and Black panther Bagheera, Rundell tells us how they came to develop the personality traits we see in both the books and the film. Some characters play a greater role in this book than in the original, some a lesser one. Female characters such as Mother Wolf are given a more prominent role in man-cub Mowgli's upbringing.
I imagine it's a very daunting task writing a book so heavily influenced and reliant on an already established story and cast of characters but Rundell has done a fantastic job. Her writing is vivid and every description transports you to the jungle. She has managed to recreate the atmosphere from the original and successfully added her own spin on things. There are also some important moral messages within these stories on family, friendship, loyalty, honesty and good triumphing over evil, just as there were in the original. Rundell has also updated the moral aspect to include more contemporary themes, including understanding and empathy across species, cultures, and genders.
When 'The Jungle Book' was first published back in 1894 (by Macmillan coincidentally) who knew it would have such an enduring legacy? Rundell's backstory is a fitting tribute to a story that is now nearly 125 years old. Although the accompanying artwork of Kristjana S. Williams is only sampled here (presumably to make it readable via Kindle) it complemented the stories beautifully. I have pre-ordered a copy for my bookshelf as I feel that this is one of those books that will be a pleasure to pick up over and over and superior in physical form than reading it via Kindle or the like. I have no hesitation in recommending this and am positive that children will be delighted to read about the characters formative years.
Many thanks to Macmillan Children's Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I imagine it's a very daunting task writing a book so heavily influenced and reliant on an already established story and cast of characters but Rundell has done a fantastic job. Her writing is vivid and every description transports you to the jungle. She has managed to recreate the atmosphere from the original and successfully added her own spin on things. There are also some important moral messages within these stories on family, friendship, loyalty, honesty and good triumphing over evil, just as there were in the original. Rundell has also updated the moral aspect to include more contemporary themes, including understanding and empathy across species, cultures, and genders.
When 'The Jungle Book' was first published back in 1894 (by Macmillan coincidentally) who knew it would have such an enduring legacy? Rundell's backstory is a fitting tribute to a story that is now nearly 125 years old. Although the accompanying artwork of Kristjana S. Williams is only sampled here (presumably to make it readable via Kindle) it complemented the stories beautifully. I have pre-ordered a copy for my bookshelf as I feel that this is one of those books that will be a pleasure to pick up over and over and superior in physical form than reading it via Kindle or the like. I have no hesitation in recommending this and am positive that children will be delighted to read about the characters formative years.
Many thanks to Macmillan Children's Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
lostwithoutabook's review against another edition
5.0
A stunning book, with beautiful language and amazing images. The perfect book to share with children of any age, will definitely be using this as a text for KS2 English lessons.
ejderwood's review against another edition
3.0
Obviously not a patch on the original stories and one full star is deducted for the use of the word 'OK' (really, Katherine Rundell? I expected better from you.) but overall a fun collection of Jungle stories.
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