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Beginning of the Armadillos
A tortoise and a hedgehog combine their natural assets and transform themselves into armadillos to escape the hungry attention of a young jaguar.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1982
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About the author
Rudyard Kipling
7,240 books3,701 followersJoseph Rudyard Kipling was a journalist, short-story writer, poet, and novelist.
Kipling's works of fiction include The Jungle Book (1894), Kim (1901), and many short stories, including The Man Who Would Be King (1888). His poems include Mandalay (1890), Gunga Din (1890), The Gods of the Copybook Headings (1919), The White Man's Burden (1899), and If— (1910). He is regarded as a major innovator in the art of the short story; his children's books are classics of children's literature; and one critic described his work as exhibiting "a versatile and luminous narrative gift".
Kipling was one of the most popular writers in the United Kingdom, in both prose and verse, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Henry James said: "Kipling strikes me personally as the most complete man of genius (as distinct from fine intelligence) that I have ever known." In 1907, at the age of 41, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first English-language writer to receive the prize, and its youngest recipient to date. He was also sounded out for the British Poet Laureateship and on several occasions for a knighthood, both of which he declined.
Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907 "in consideration of the power of observation, originality of imagination, virility of ideas and remarkable talent for narration which characterize the creations of this world-famous author."
Kipling kept writing until the early 1930s, but at a slower pace and with much less success than before. On the night of 12 January 1936, Kipling suffered a haemorrhage in his small intestine. He underwent surgery, but died less than a week later on 18 January 1936 at the age of 70 of a perforated duodenal ulcer. Kipling's death had in fact previously been incorrectly announced in a magazine, to which he wrote, "I've just read that I am dead. Don't forget to delete me from your list of subscribers."
Kipling's works of fiction include The Jungle Book (1894), Kim (1901), and many short stories, including The Man Who Would Be King (1888). His poems include Mandalay (1890), Gunga Din (1890), The Gods of the Copybook Headings (1919), The White Man's Burden (1899), and If— (1910). He is regarded as a major innovator in the art of the short story; his children's books are classics of children's literature; and one critic described his work as exhibiting "a versatile and luminous narrative gift".
Kipling was one of the most popular writers in the United Kingdom, in both prose and verse, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Henry James said: "Kipling strikes me personally as the most complete man of genius (as distinct from fine intelligence) that I have ever known." In 1907, at the age of 41, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first English-language writer to receive the prize, and its youngest recipient to date. He was also sounded out for the British Poet Laureateship and on several occasions for a knighthood, both of which he declined.
Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907 "in consideration of the power of observation, originality of imagination, virility of ideas and remarkable talent for narration which characterize the creations of this world-famous author."
Kipling kept writing until the early 1930s, but at a slower pace and with much less success than before. On the night of 12 January 1936, Kipling suffered a haemorrhage in his small intestine. He underwent surgery, but died less than a week later on 18 January 1936 at the age of 70 of a perforated duodenal ulcer. Kipling's death had in fact previously been incorrectly announced in a magazine, to which he wrote, "I've just read that I am dead. Don't forget to delete me from your list of subscribers."
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 20, 2018
I remember having a paperback edition of Mr. Kipling's Just-So Stories on my shelf when I was a child. I don't remember them well, but I think my father read at least a few of them to me. If I had an illustrated copy like this edition, I would have likely read them over and over.
The pictures contain vibrant hues and varying textures, piercing eyes and contrasting backgrounds. I really enjoyed reading the story, but the illustrations truly are the highlight of the book.
The pictures contain vibrant hues and varying textures, piercing eyes and contrasting backgrounds. I really enjoyed reading the story, but the illustrations truly are the highlight of the book.
August 1, 2010
Rudyard Kipling's story has a really nice gentle rhythm to it and is beautiful read aloud. The story seemed unique- at least I had never heard it before despite being a rather typical literary form of explanation of natural phenomena. It was really delightful to read something that felt fresh but still traditional. Charles Keeping's illustrations are lovely but unfortunately seem to be presented out of order with the scene of Stickly-Prickly Hedgehog learning to swim a scene or two before it happens in the book. The illustrations also seem a little bit passive, as there are not enough of them to carry the story forward, as in a picture book. It seems a shame that the really nice pairing of Keeping and Kipling is hampered by poor book design and too few illustrations due to this being a more budget-minded reader. Since the text is much more appropriate to a read aloud, containing large words and exquisitely crafted phrases, I really wish that this had been published as a full-fledged picture book.
April 30, 2018
My Review: We listened to this short book in audio format but it was very hard for Munchkin to imagine what was going on. It is a great creative way for the armadillos to evolve and a great lesson about listening to your mothers the first time. Munchkin also struggled with the concept because he is so literal. A fun classic that goes right along with reading The Jungle Book but definitely get the version with pictures if you are reading with young kids.
June 17, 2020
Cute
This child's book is well written and a cute story to share with little ones. I recommend it for parents and grandparents alike. Check it out. You will like it. It has teaching helps in the back.
This child's book is well written and a cute story to share with little ones. I recommend it for parents and grandparents alike. Check it out. You will like it. It has teaching helps in the back.
January 7, 2013
Excellent.
April 4, 2018
Very fun book to read, good morals and learning lessons in it. Rather enjoying some of Kiplings works now.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews