"Now Chil the Kite brings home the night
That Mang the Bat sets free--
The herds are shut in byre and hut,
For loosed till dawn are we.
This is the hour of pride and power,
Talon and tush and claw.
Oh, hear the call! - Good hunting all
That keep the Jungle Law!"
Night-song in the jungle


'The Jungle Book' by Rudyard Kipling is a book of delightful short stories and poem-songs about talking animals. Five of the stories follow Mowgli, who as a human toddler was separated from his parents after Shere Khan, the tiger, tried to attack the family in the jungles of India. Instead of ending up as a meal for Shere Khan, Mowgli is raised eventually by two wolves who see him as one of their cubs. But first, a meeting was called and the ethics of adopting a manchild were debated by the pack. The matter is settled when Baloo, the bear, agrees to accept Mowgli as a student to teach him the Law of the Jungle; and Bagheera, the black panther, agrees to take the pack to a newly killed bull in exchange for Mowgli's acceptance into the pack. The wolf pack take the deal, but Shere Khan becomes Mowgli's mortal enemy.

Mowgli has a number of adventures which are not all entirely pleasant, but I have this strong feeling it was on the whole fun to be a feral child!

Other talking animal stories are included which showcase a variety of wild and domesticated animals who find Mankind and Nature directs them towards certain choices and troubles. Their personalities and inclinations direct their fates somewhat, but, gentle reader, I found them all to be wonderful creatures. However, I admit to favoring Rikki Tikki Tavi, the mongoose, most of all!

Mature children will adore this book, especially if they are able to get an edition with illustrations, but if you are familiar with the Disney movie version only, I must emphasize the unabridged book version has animal deaths, by hunting.