Just So Stories - For Little Children - Written and Illustrated by Rudyard Kipling
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What’s inside...
This book contains Rudyard Kipling's 1902 collection of short stories, Just So Stories. These fantastically imaginative origin stories are amongst the best known of Kipling's works, and offer entertaining explanations as to how various animals came into being. This wonderful collection would make for ideal bedtime reading, and is well deserving of a place on every family bookshelf. Tales include: 'How the Whale got His Throat', 'How the Camel Got His Hump', 'How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin', 'How the Leopard Got His Spots', 'The Elephant's Child', 'The Sing-Song of Old Man Kangaroo', 'The Beginning of the Armadillos', 'How the First Letter was Written', and more. These tales are also illustrated in black and white by Rudyard Kipling himself. Joseph Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was a seminal English writer of short stories, novelist, and poet. He is most famous for his poems concerning British soldiers in India and his wonderful children's stories. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality edition for the enjoyment of a modern readership. Pook Press celebrates the great 'Golden Age of Illustration' in children's classics and fairy tales - a period of unparalleled excellence in book illustration. We publish rare and vintage Golden Age illustrated books, in high-quality colour editions, so that the masterful artwork and story-telling can continue to delight both young and old.
Age
5-17
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Pau Amma
Wild Dog
Wild Horse
Wild Cat
Man
Kangaroo
Dingo—Yellow-Dog
Stute fish
Mariner
Ethiopian
Elephant's Child
Aunt Ostrich
Uncle Giraffe
Aunt Hippopotamus
Uncle Baboon
Kolokolo Bird
Bi-Colored-Python-Rock-Snake
Nqong
Stickly-Prickly Hedgehog
All-the-Turtle-there-was
Little girl-daughter
Wild Man
Wild Cow
The Most Beautiful Queen Balkis
Rhinoceros
Solomon the Son of David
Slow-Solid Tortoise
Painted Jaguar
Discussion points
What do you think about how the elephant got its long trunk?
Which story was your favorite and why?
If you could create your own 'just so' story, what animal would it be about and what special feature would they get?
How do the animals' new features help them in their stories?
Do you think these stories explain how the animals really got their features?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the stories to real animals, discussing any similarities or differences they notice.
Ask them to draw their favorite scene or character from the book to foster creative expression.
Create a 'what if' scenario where your child imagines a different ending or feature transformation to develop their creative thinking.
Discuss the moral or lesson each story might teach us about adaptability and ingenuity.
Encourage your child to retell their favorite story in their own words, reinforcing comprehension and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The stories often feature inquisitive animals who ask questions or explore the world to understand it better, such as the elephant’s child whose insatiable curiosity leads him to discover what the crocodile eats for dinner.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore, ask questions, and seek answers about their world, enhancing their learning and understanding.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: In 'The Butterfly that Stamped', the butterfly's actions lead to serious consequences that affect others around him. This story reflects how one's behavior can influence the environment and relationships.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to consider the outcomes of their actions on others and to act responsibly.
Example Lesson: Value of Persistence
Explanation: Several stories, like 'How the Camel got his Hump' and 'How the Rhinoceros got his Skin', showcase characters encountering challenges but eventually finding solutions through persistence.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of resilience and encourages children to persevere through difficulties they encounter in daily life.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The book includes a range of animals from different geographic locations and backgrounds, illustrating the beauty of a diverse world.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate and respect differences in others, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Kipling’s rich, imaginative narratives encourage creative thinking, as the animals are often portrayed solving problems in innovative ways.
Real-World Application: Fosters creativity in children, inspiring them to think outside the box in their own problem-solving tasks.