The Jungle Book & The Second Jungle Book
#1 in The Jungle Book Series
on Goodreads (88,295)
What’s inside...
The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book are collections of stories by Rudyard Kipling, most of which are set in the Indian jungle and feature animals who can talk. The most famous stories revolve around the adventures of an abandoned 'man cub' named Mowgli who is raised by wolves in the jungle. Other stories in the collections feature animals such as Rikki-Tikki-Tavi the mongoose, and Kotick the white seal. The Jungle Book introduces Mowgli, the human foundling adopted by a family of wolves. It tells of the enmity between him and the tiger Shere Khan, who killed Mowgli's parents, and of the friendship between the man-cub and Bagheera, the black panther, and Baloo, the sleepy brown bear, who instructs Mowgli in the Laws of the Jungle. The Second Jungle Book contains some of the most thrilling of the Mowgli stories. It includes Red Dog, in which Mowgli forms an unlikely alliance with the python Kaa, How Fear Came and Letting in the Jungle as well as The Spring Running, which brings Mowgli to manhood and the realisation that he must leave Bagheera, Baloo and his other friends for the world of man.
Discussion points
How do you think Mowgli feels being raised by wolves in the jungle? What challenges does he face?
If you were in Mowgli's position, how would you try to fit in with the animals? Would you find it exciting or frightening?
What do you think the story teaches us about the importance of friendship and trust?
How do the different animals in the jungle help Mowgli survive? Can you think of ways your friends help you in your life?
What qualities do you admire in Mowgli, and why? Are there any qualities in him you see in yourself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Mowgli's adventures, relating them to their own experiences of friendship and belonging.
Discuss the different characters and their roles in the jungle. Ask your child which character they like the most and why.
Use the contrasting personalities and moral lessons in the book to guide a conversation about values such as courage, loyalty, and resourcefulness.
Point out the vivid descriptions of the jungle and its inhabitants to stimulate your child’s imagination, asking them to visualize and perhaps draw scenes from the book.
Explore the themes of law, order, and freedom presented in the book, helping your child understand their significance in a societal and personal context.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of community and teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Jungle Book', Mowgli thrives due to the support and teachings of the jungle community including Baloo, Bagheera, and the wolf pack. They teach him essential jungle laws and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of cooperating and working together with their peers or family members to achieve common goals and overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and all its creatures
Explanation: Mowgli's interactions with the various animals and the reverence shown to the jungle itself underline the importance of respecting and protecting our natural environment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be mindful of their environment, promoting activities that respect and preserve nature, such as recycling or cleaning up local parks.
Example Lesson: The significance of courage and self-awareness
Explanation: Throughout both books, Mowgli faces numerous challenges, including confronting Shere Khan. These stories highlight how Mowgli's bravery and self-understanding guide him through difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and the value of introspection in understanding and overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing differences
Explanation: Mowgli, being a human child in an animal-dominated environment, symbolizes the differences that exist amongst us. His journey teaches tolerance and the acceptance of others who may not look or behave like us.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diversity and foster an inclusive attitude towards classmates and people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Importance of following rules
Explanation: The Jungle books underline the importance of adhering to the Jungle Law, which Mowgli has to learn and follow. This reflects the necessity of rules for the functioning of any society.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the need to respect and follow rules whether it be at home, school, or while playing games, to ensure fairness and order.