Beginning of the Armadillos

by Rudyard Kipling Retold by Vatsala Kaul

Rudyard Kipling s Just So stories about animals and their antics have delighted readers for years. Now, Ladybird brings these stories alive for very young children. Meet the lazy camel, grouchy rhinoceros, hungry leopard, curious elephant and many other eccentric animals in these enchanting stories. Narrated simply and accompanied by rich and detailed illustrations that children love, these retellings will introduce a new generation to the magic and whimsy of Kipling s genius.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Childrens, Picture Books

36 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Erin Reilly-Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Hunter Q Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jenny Burridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun book to read, good morals and learning lessons in it. Rather enjoying some of Kiplings works now.