The Jungle Book: Mowgli's Story…

PreS-Gr 2—This "reimagined classic" has vibrant, full-bleed, and spot illustrations throughout that use a palette of oranges, purples, blues, and greens. Just familiar enough and yet innovative, the cartoon artwork sets this edition apart from those previously published. Tiger Shere Khan steals the human "man cub," Mowgli, and returns with him to the jungle. This forbidden act rallies the other animals against him and results in the tiger's banishment. Bagheera, the panther, returns the child to the city but not knowing which family is his, he entrusts the baby's care to a pack of street dogs, who teach Mowgli survival skills. Hearing that Shere Khan is in the city seeking revenge, Bagheera spirits Mowgli, now 10, back to the jungle for safety. There he and Baloo try to instruct the boy in the ways of the jungle, but Mowgli is disinterested, preferring play time to learning. They do manage to teach him the jungle call, a surefire SOS cry, and make him practice it till he is hoarse. "AaHaoOO!" Convinced that he can take care of himself, Mowgli leaves Bagheera's protection and sets off alone. Returning to the city, he discovers that Shere Khan has taken out his anger on the dogs who raised him. Upset that the pack have suffered because of him, Mowgli recalls his jungle training and plans to trap the tiger. Outsmarted and in danger, Mowgli instinctively yells the jungle call. Bagheera and Baloo rush to help. With Mowgli's assistance, they permanently get rid of the tiger.