Edward in the Jungle

by David McPhail

Bookish young Edward spends all of his free time reading anything he can get hold of. One day whilst reading in his favourite spot he becomes so absorbed that he fails to notice a crocodile coming right at him. What happens next will inspire the imagination of every reader, young and old!

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Fiction, Fantasy, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

David was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts and attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. While there, he began illustrating. He is now an award-winning author and illustrator of nearly 200 books beloved by children, parents and librarians across the United States. McPhail has garnered many prestigious awards, including a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year for Mole Music in 2001. McPhail’s other books include First Flight, which the New York Times praised as “hilarious and helpful”; and Lost!, which was chosen as an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists.

McPhail has four children, three stepchildren, and is a proud grandfather. He is married to Jan Waldron, with whom he has written and illustrated several books. He lives in Rye, New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book aloud to one of my kids and two more heard and quickly crowded around me. They loved the illustrations and the story of the boy who loves reading Tarzan and playing with his animals.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

After all that reading Edward has been doing about life in the jungle, little did he expect that eventually his imagination would burst forth and give him a personal adventure.

The relationship he develops with his hero, Tarzan, is so gratifying.

Altogether this book is extremely satisfying. To this Goodreader, at least, Edward has learned how to set himself free, opening up his inner world of imagination.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised Tarzan was actually featured in this book. The art is not as charming as McPhail's other books. The story was a bit lackluster. I did like the touches the creator added to subtly remind the reader that the story was happening in the main character's imagination. The mc is plucky and active. And of course liked the idea, because I have imagined myself in many books, too.

[Kelly Miller]

This book demonstrates what it is like to get to know the character's of a book and then get wrapped up in it. It allows the book to come to life and shows how you can interact with characters in a book.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting that this is the same kid who had so much trouble learning to read (until he met Santa). The story is an ode to the adventure novels that set children's imaginations afire, with a little eco-lesson tucked in. Charming to the right audience.

[Olivia]

Quick picture book from the library that Owen ADORED. - 2025

[The Transmuted Tree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Red 1st

[CM · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this at the library while my nephew was doing puzzles. It's really adorable, short, and yet it had a good depth to it about dreams, kindness, and being strong even when you're unsure about yourself.
That said, it's not preachy or anything, and the story has a good flow to it, with a good art style that supports the story well.

[Jessica P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bout a boy named Edward, who loves to read. He reads about Tarzan, and suddenly he is "lost" in the jungle with Tarzan and the animals. Great to share with kids to talk about love of reading.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read to kindergartners. We talked about dreams, then we talked about animals in Tarzan's jungle, then I gave them a paper with a picture of a tree on it and they drew pictures of critters we could find in our neighborhood.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story that honors how Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan can capture the imagination of a boy. Equally good are McPhail's Santa's Book of Names, which introduces Edward, and Edward and the Pirates, which is another Edward literature-inspired adventure.

[Joey Gremillion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the illustrations but the story was a bit preachy. I wouldn't recommend but it's still a helluva lot better than Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policeman's Union and they are COMPLETELY different in genre.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about using your imagination, as Edward travels to the jungle after playing with his toys.

[Junessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy with an imagination goes on an adventure in the jungle. Good pictures and easy to follow plot.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Modern Fantasy.

A boy who imagines that he goes in the jungle and meets animals and Tarzan. Lesson - Teamwork.

[Rachel Rouleau · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trying to yell like Tarzan was fun, but otherwise forgettable.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While going through our books to downsize, Jacob wanted to stop and read this one. I love snatching these moments with my kids to read a good book we had forgotten about.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yelling like Tarzan was way fun -- until the dog got upset. This isn't a bad book; it just isn't a great book. I did, however, like the crocodile -- very much.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for companion books and adventure stories as a genre.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Mommooshka · Rating 5 out of 5]

All David McPhail books are delights for kids and adults. The illustrations are magical.