Summary

The Jungle Book is a collection of stories by Rudyard Kipling, published in 1894 after appearing in magazines the year before. Kipling, born in Bombay, wrote much of it while living in Vermont. Each story is followed by a poem, and the book was soon joined by a sequel, The Second Jungle Book (1895).

The first three stories follow Mowgli, a small child who wanders into the Indian jungle and is adopted by a family of wolves. He is accepted into the pack with the backing of Baloo, the bear who teaches him the Law of the Jungle, and Bagheera, a black panther. Throughout his upbringing Mowgli faces the hatred of Shere Khan, a lame tiger who believes the boy belongs to him. Other episodes take him among the chaotic monkey people and introduce the great python Kaa. The remaining stories leave Mowgli behind: a brave mongoose defends an English family's garden from cobras, a white seal searches for a safe beach for his kind, a boy witnesses a secret elephant gathering, and army animals discuss their duties.

The book mixes adventure with fable, exploring loyalty, belonging and the rules that govern communities. It also reflects the outlook of British India at the time. Its characters have become familiar through many adaptations, but the original offers a darker, richer version for young readers and adults alike.

About

This classic children's book by Rudyard Kipling tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves: his escapades and adventures with his dear friends Bagheera the panther and Baloo the bear, his capture by the Monkey-People, his attempt at reintegration into human society, and his ultimate triumph over the lame tiger Shere Khan. The account of Mowgli's adventures is followed by several short stories, including the tales of the brave white seal, Kotick, and the tenacious mongoose, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Packed with adventure and Jungle Law wisdom, this book has pervaded popular culture as the basis of many film and stage adaptations, including the popular Disney movie, and through its adoption as a motivational book by the Cub Scouts.