Just So Stories -Illustrated
not part of a series
on Goodreads (48,861)
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. Contents 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 wonderful tales are accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Joseph M. Gleeson. 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. 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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-12
Length
258 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Elephant'S Child
Stute fish
Mariner
Ethiopian
Elephant's Child
Aunt Ostrich
Uncle Giraffe
Aunt Hippopotamus
Uncle Baboon
Kolokolo Bird
Bi-Colored-Python-Rock-Snake
Kangaroo, Old Man Kangaroo, Tired Old Kangaroo
Dingo—Yellow-Dog, Tired-Dog, Poor-Dog
Nqong
Stickly-Prickly Hedgehog
Slow-Solid Tortoise
Painted Jaguar
All-the-Turtle-there-was
Man, aka Son of Adam
Pau Amma
Little girl-daughter
Wild Man
Wild Dog
Wild Horse
Wild Cow
Wild Cat
Solomon the Son of David, aka The Most Wise Sovreign Suleiman-bin-Daoud
The Most Beautiful Queen Balkis
Rhinoceros
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the animals in these stories to behave the way they do?
If you could create your own 'Just So' story, which animal would you choose and what unique feature would they get?
How do the illustrations enhance the story for you? Do they make the story more fun or interesting?
Which story was your favorite and why?
How do you think the different animals felt about the changes they experienced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the stories come alive during read-aloud sessions.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, discussing the traits that make each unique.
Relate the 'Just So Stories' to real-life animals and their characteristics to blend learning with storytelling.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, fostering comprehension and recall skills.
Discuss the moral or lesson behind each story to enhance critical thinking about right and wrong.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and asking questions
Explanation: In 'Just So Stories,' the narratives often begin with a curious child questioning why things are the way they are. This sets the stage for the stories that follow, which creatively explain various phenomena.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their world and seek answers, enhancing their problem-solving skills and understanding.
Example Lesson: Embracing individual differences
Explanation: The stories illustrate how different traits and characteristics can be useful and beautiful. For example, the tale of how the leopard got its spots shows that differences can have advantages.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate diversity and understand that everyone's unique traits make them special.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Several stories highlight how the actions of characters lead to permanent changes in the animal world, such as the elephant's trunk becoming elongated because of the crocodile pulling on it.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to consider the consequences of their actions in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Value of persistence
Explanation: In the story of 'The Cat that Walked by Himself,' the cat's persistent nature eventually leads to a mutual understanding with humans.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of persistence and negotiation in achieving personal goals while living in harmony with others.
Example Lesson: Understanding natural phenomena
Explanation: The fictional explanations for why animals look or behave a certain way provide a whimsical approach to discussing natural history and science.
Real-World Application: Stimulates interest in science and the natural world, encouraging educational exploration beyond the stories.