The Complete Mowgli of the Jungle Book Stories
The Jungle Book Series
What’s inside...
Raised by a pack of wolves, the little boy known as Mowgli forms the human heart of an animal community in the Indian wilderness. These selections from The Jungle Book, The Second Jungle Book, and Many Inventions offer a chronological presentation of every episode from Rudyard Kipling's beloved tales of a feral child. This edition of the stories, all except one of which were originally published in magazines between 1893 and 1894, includes the charming epigrammatic poems that appeared in the first compilations. The adventures begin with 'Mowgli's Brothers,' in which the orphan is rescued from the wrath of Shere Khan, the man-eating tiger. Upon his adoption into the wolf pack, Mowgli is schooled in the Law of the Jungle by Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. Eight additional tales trace the boy's growing knowledge of jungle lore as well as his moral development and return to human society. Kipling's powerfully original fables, recounted in richly evocative prose, continue to enchant readers of all ages.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-18
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mowgli
Raksha
Father Wolf
Hathi
Akela
Kaa
Bagheera
Baloo
Shere Khan
Discussion points
What characteristics make Mowgli a good leader and friend? Can you think of times when you demonstrated similar qualities?
How do the different animals in the Jungle Book help Mowgli on his journey? What does this teach us about the importance of community and teamwork?
What challenges does Mowgli face and how does he overcome them? How can we apply these lessons to our own challenges at school or home?
What does the Jungle Book teach us about understanding and respecting differences in others?
How do the settings in the Jungle Book affect the story? How would the story change if it took place in a different setting?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you read the book with your child, take breaks to explore their thoughts and feelings about the story. This promotes emotional intelligence and empathy.
Relate the struggles and successes of Mowgli to your child’s personal experiences to make the themes more relatable and meaningful.
Discuss the moral lessons found in the story, and ask your child to reflect on what they might have done differently if they were in Mowgli’s shoes.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for Mowgli, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Use the vivid descriptions of the jungle to spark discussions about nature, conservation, and the environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of respecting differences
Explanation: Through Mowgli's unique upbringing among wolves, the stories showcase how he learns to respect and appreciate the differences between animals and humans.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diversity in people around them and understand that everyone has unique qualities that should be respected.
Example Lesson: The value of courage and resilience
Explanation: Mowgli frequently faces challenges and dangers in the jungle, yet he consistently shows courage and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges with bravery and to persevere through difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of belonging and community
Explanation: Mowgli, even though different, finds a family and a sense of belonging with the wolves. This highlights the significance of community support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of fostering relationships and supporting each other in their communities and families.
Example Lesson: Learning from your environment
Explanation: Mowgli learns various survival skills and lessons from the animals in the jungle, showing the importance of being observant and learning from your surroundings.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to be curious and learn from their environment, gaining knowledge and skills from their daily interactions and observations.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Throughout the stories, Mowgli makes several decisions that reflect his moral standing, even when faced with tough choices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to weigh their decisions and consider the consequences of their actions, helping them develop a strong moral compass.