By Rudyard Kipling
A book that is quite far from and a good bit darker than Disney’s classic movie adaptation. The Jungle Book is in reality a collection of stories, and the human boy Mowgli is not always present in them, for adults the stories have a deeper meaning and symbolism. The stories deal with things such as courage, loyalty, honour and friendship. A different kind of book and an exciting classic for your tween.Most stories revolve around the foundling human child Mowgli, how he is adopted and raised by a wolf pack, the friendships he makes in the jungle and the constant threat from the man hating tiger Sheer Khan. His bear friend Baloo and Bagherra, the Black Panther, guard and help Mowgli understand the jungle. The fearsome ally Kaa the python, unlike the silly character in Disney’s version, is a fearsome ally that saves Mowgli from the Bandar-Log, and many more.
This is not a cosy story of the jungle, but well rooted in the realities of the jungle and the Jungle Law. Mowgli never truly leaves the Jungle, and has to find a balance with human law and jungle law, but always taking advantage of his unique skills, taught by his animal friends and family.
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