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THE SECOND JUNGLE BOOK - The sequel to The Jungle Book: A Further 16 stories from Mowgli's Jungle

THE SECOND JUNGLE BOOK - The sequel to The Jungle Book: A Further 16 stories from Mowgli's Jungle

Published in
1894
3.80
on Goodreads (4,022)

Description

The Second Jungle Book is a sequel to The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. First published in 1895, it features five stories about Mowgli and three unrelated stories, all but one set in India, most of which Kipling wrote while living in Vermont. All of the stories were previously published in magazines in 1894-5, often under different titles. The 1994 film The Jungle Book used it as a source.Each story is followed by a related poem: "How Fear Came" This story takes place before Mowgli fights Shere Khan. During a drought, Mowgli and the animals gather at a shrunken Wainganga River for a Water Truce" where the display of the blue-colored Peace Rock prevents anyone from hunting at its riverbanks. After Shere Khan was driven away by him for nearly defiling the Peace Rock, Hathi the elephant tells Mowgli the story of how the first tiger got his stripes when fear first came to the jungle. This story can be seen as a forerunner of the Just So Stories."The Law of the Jungle" (poem)"The Miracle of Purun Bhagat" An influential Indian politician abandons his worldly goods to become an ascetic holy man. Later, he must save a village from a landslide with the help of the local animals whom he has befriended."A Song of Kabir" (poem)"Letting in the Jungle" Mowgli has been driven out of the human village for witchcraft, and the superstitious villagers are preparing to kill his adopted parents Messua and her unnamed husband. Mowgli rescues them and then prepares to take revenge."Mowgli's Song Against People" (poem)"The Undertakers" A mugger crocodile, a jackal and a Greater adjutant stork, three of the most unpleasant characters on the river, spend an afternoon bickering with each other until some Englishmen arrive to settle some unfinished business with the crocodile."A Ripple Song" (poem)"The King's Ankus" Mowgli discovers a jewelled object beneath the Cold Lairs, which he later discards carelessly, not realising that men will kill each other to possess it. Note: the first edition of The Second Jungle Book inadvertently omits the final 500 words of this story, in which Mowgli returns the treasure to its hiding-place to prevent further killings. Although the error was corrected in later printings, it was picked up by some later editions."The Song of the Little Hunter" (poem)"Quiquern" A teenaged Inuit boy and girl set out across the arctic ice on a desperate hunt for food to save their tribe from starvation, guided by the mysterious animal-spirit Quiquern. However, Quiquern is not what he seems."Angutivaun Taina" (poem)"Red Dog" Mowgli's wolfpack is threatened by a pack of rampaging dholes. Mowgli asks Kaa the python to help him formulate a plan to defeat them."Chil's Song" (poem)"The Spring Running" Mowgli, now almost seventeen years old, is growing restless for reasons he cannot understand. On an aimless run through the jungle he stumbles across the village where his adopted mother Messua is now living with her two-year-old son, and is torn between staying with her and returning to the jungle."The Outsong" (poem)
Age
0-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
142 pages
Book in series
#2

Why to read

  • Continuation of a Classic Tale: 'The Second Jungle Book' offers readers the chance to dive back into the enchanting world of Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera, and the rest of the beloved characters, providing a continuation of their adventures and a deeper exploration of Rudyard Kipling's rich jungle universe.
  • Moral and Philosophical Depth: Kipling's stories are known for their moral lessons and philosophical insights. Reading 'The Second Jungle Book' not only entertains but also provides thought-provoking themes about nature, society, and the human condition, which are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.
  • Cultural and Historical Significance: As a classic of children's literature, 'The Second Jungle Book' holds an important place in literary history. Understanding its influence on subsequent literature and its reflection of the values and attitudes of its time can offer readers a deeper appreciation of both the text and its historical context.
  • Literary Craftsmanship: Kipling's storytelling prowess is on full display in 'The Second Jungle Book.' His vivid descriptions, memorable characters, and the lyrical quality of his prose provide an excellent example of literary craftsmanship, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in the art of writing.