Just So Stories

Book Description

Kipling's own drawings, with their long, funny captions, illustrate his hilarious explanations of How the Camel Got His Hump, How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin, How the Armadillo Happened, and other animal How's. He began inventing these stories in his American wife's hometown of Brattleboro, Vermont, to amuse his eldest daughter--and they have served ever since as a source of laughter for children everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

perennial favorite.......2007-05-18

Kipling's delightful stories continue to enthrall a new generation. Lyrical, funny, packed with fanciful explanations for everything from the camel's hump to the elephant's trunk, they just beg to be read aloud and appeal to children of all ages. My three-year-old granddaughter loved the book so much, especially the story about the elephant's child, that I bought her a copy of her own for a fourth birthday present.

Other books recently enjoyed by the now four-year-old granddaughter (and suitable for older children as well) include Three Tales of My Father's Dragon and Mountains of the Moon.

Way, Way Better Than I Ever Dreamed Of.......2007-03-02

When I first bought this book, I thought it would be quite dull. Boy, was I wrong. I loved it from start to finish. Kipling shines as a a master humorist and storyteller, and through my reading of "Just So Stories" I never once had to stretch myself wondering why he was so popular in his day and why he won the Nobel Prize. His work speaks for itself.

I really likes his commentaries on his own pictures.
-"I should like to paint him with paint-box colours, but I am not allowed."
-"Pau Amma is trying to make a Magic, but he is only a silly old King Crab, and so he can't do anything."
-"It is all a magic picture, and that is one of the reasons why I haven't drawn the Jaguar's whiskers."

Absolutely wonderful.

More pics, please.......2006-08-14

My children so loved the Rikki Tikki Tavi video--based on a Kipling video--that I wanted to find other Kipling stories on tape (besides the Jungle Book). I wasn't successful, but I found many different editions of Just So Stories. It was hard to choose!
I'm disappointed with the outcome. While it's a nice, full collection of the stories, there is only one illustration per story--not at all like the picture-rich edition I had as a child.
To shop online for kiddy books (my children are 5, 4 and 3), it's important for it to be vivid how picture rich the book is (or isn't).

Great Book.......2006-03-09

It's a nice budget edition of the famous book with sophisticated authors' illustrations.

Delightfully funny.......2005-12-25

Kipling did an excellent job in compliling and communicating these stories. I thoroughly enjoyed each story, with the exception of the one about how writing was invented, which seemed a bit boring to me.
Kipling had me rolling with laughter with each of the stories, and most of the time his notes on his pictures were the funniest parts (well, this picture doesn't have anything to do with the story, but it does have an armadillo in it...).
This book is a true classic, and it is unfortunate that it seems to have fallen out of favor with our present culture. Perhaps this has something to do with a few racist remarks in the book, or the swastika in some of his pictures (it was a part of Kipling's official logo long before the Nazi's took it). In either case, these things need to be looked over as a product of their age, and they should not in the least dampen the fun to be had in reading this book.

A Collection of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories

Average customer rating:

My son loved this book
Not what I expected
kipling's just so stories
Family Readaloud Material
Old School doesn't die

A Collection of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories
Rudyard Kipling
Manufacturer: Candlewick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Short Story Collections | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Accessories:

ASIN: 0763626295
Release Date: 2004-10-07

Book Description

In this gorgeous collection featuring eight of Kipling's JUST SO STORIES, each tale is illustrated by a different leading contemporary artist.

How did the rude Rhinoceros get his baggy skin? How did a 'satiably curious Elephant change the lives of his kin evermore? First told aloud to his young daughter ("O my Best Beloved"), Rudyard Kipling's inspired answers to these and other burning questions draw from the fables he heard as a child in India and the folktales he gathered from around the world. Now, in this sumptuous volume, Kipling's playful, inventive tales are brought to life by eight of today's celebrated illustrators, from Peter Sís's elegantly graphic cetacean in "How the Whale Got His Throat" to Satoshi Kitamura's amusingly expressive characters in "The Cat That Walked by Himself." From one of the world's greatest storytellers come eight classic tales just begging to be heard by a new generation — and a visual feast that offers a reward with every retelling.

Featuring illustrations by:
Christopher Corr
Cathie Felstead
Jeff Fisher
Satoshi Kitamura
Claire Melinsky
Jane Ray
Peter Sís
Louise Voce

Customer Reviews:

My son loved this book.......2007-09-11

I don't understand the other comment about not being appropriate for children because my son loved it! A friend gave me this book when my son was 3 years old. I went through it first, to see what the stories were like, before reading any to him. He was used to all the Disney stories up until then, but really liked the stories in this book. This was back in 1989 and 1990. His favorite was "How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin." Unfortunately, I sold the book when I moved so now have to buy a new copy that I will give to a friend having a baby. My son still remembers this book and how much fun it was to listen to the stories.

Not what I expected.......2007-07-29

I had the impression the stories would be good to read to a child, they weren't.

kipling's just so stories.......2007-02-26

As these stories were written in another era they may not seem PC by today's standards. However, some of them are amusing and can be retold with subtle editing if necessary.

Family Readaloud Material.......2007-02-11

When I married, Mother gave me our family copy of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories which had scribbles in it from more than one of my five siblings. I don't remember reading it as a child, to be honest, but it was there. When our first two children were old enough to sit still for a story, my husband sat them in his lap and read them "The Elephant's Child" from this volume. After they squirmed a bit, he assigned acting parts to one or the other of them at various times, and by the time the third son came along they were fighting over acting parts. With voice inflection and movement to accompany the reading, they understood this story more and more, and they began to beg for more story time. He added first one and then another of the stories in this classic. Now our second son and his wife have had their first child, and for his first Christmas as a parent we were delighted to give him him own copy, and the two new parents are continuing the tradition. Bravo, Rudyard Kipling, and bravo, Daddy

Old School doesn't die.......2007-02-10

Still excellent as a reading time project. Both my son and daughter love the stories as much as I did as a child.

Average customer rating:

Son, son, said the mother Jaguar, graciously waving her tail
love this book.

Just-So Stories, The Complete
Rudyard Kipling
Manufacturer: Viking Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0670851965

Customer Reviews:

Son, son, said the mother Jaguar, graciously waving her tail.......2000-11-21

One of my favorite memories of my youth is that of my grandfather sitting down to read to me from this book. The timeless stories mix hilarity with common sense; their life lessons appeal to all ages. My all-time favorite is the Armadillo story, from which I can still quote directly. You and your children will benefit from and find much delight in these wonderful stories. Buy this book, Best Beloved - you'll be glad you did.

love this book........2000-03-25

this is an excellent, intelligent book that will make everyone smile. the animal stories are cute and compelling and silly...after my sister took our childhood copy of this book, i'm buying it for myself. although it is intended for children, it is written with such an intelligent wit that adults, too, will find the stories endearing. this is an especially charming book to read aloud.

Little Critter: Just So Thankful (Little Critter)

Average customer rating:

Actually a sweet story
Favorite
Thankful for This Pleasing, Non-Stereotypical Story

Little Critter: Just So Thankful (Little Critter)

Manufacturer: HarperFestival
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 006053950X
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Book Description

There's a new kid in town who has everything Little Critter wants -- a Super Streak scooter, his own cell phone, and even a limousine! But Little Critter soon realizes that he has something money cannot buy -- a family who loves and adores him.

Customer Reviews:

Actually a sweet story.......2007-05-29

My daughter likes these books and of course we had to get this one.

Little Critter is not happy because he can't have the Super Streak scooter. His mother tries to tell him there will be always things he can't have and he should appreciate what he has.

Of course a new kid moves into the biggest house. HH has a super streak! A maid, a cell phone, and just about anything he wants.

Little Critter sees all this when he is invited for a sleep over and thinks HH is the luckiest guy around.

His mother smiles and tells him to invite HH over. HH has a grand time playing with Little Sister, helping with chores, cooking and being quizzed by Little Critters grandparents.

When HH leaves; he tells Little Critter he is the luckiest guy around.

Confused Little Critter figures it out that having a family beats having possessions and no family.

The plot line could be considered trite but overall the story is handled well.

Favorite.......2007-01-18

This short book about having a loving family is my three year old's favorite bed time story.

Thankful for This Pleasing, Non-Stereotypical Story.......2006-11-07

In "Just So Thankful," Little Critter is upset when he isn't to get a cool new scooter that he wants --- the Super Streak. He doesn't think it's fair and is rather angry. He sees a new boy moving in with a bunch of toys, and wishes he could have so many.

Sure, this is the typical story about appreciating what you have. But what really sets this one apart is its non-stereo-typical portrayal of a rich kid. Unlike many such stories, where the "rich kid" is either a bully, or stuck-up, or has some other such problem, the one in this story is a genunine nice guy. It's truly pleasing.

This book comes with a set of tear-off cards featuring scenes from the book. The backs say things like "Thanks for helping me!" and "Thanks for making me the happiest critter around!"

Average customer rating:

sound problems
The Inimitable Uncle Boris
Poor sound quality
Many stories missing!
Great CD. Sound is no problem.

Just So Stories CD
Rudyard Kipling
Manufacturer: HarperChildrensAudio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Short Story Collections | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Classics | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0060788828
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Book Description

Everyone knows Rudyard Kipling's animals are the ones most worthknowing anywhere. This collection—beautifully performed by Boris Karloff—includes Kipling's Just So Stories (where we meet the animals when the world was new—so new, in fact, that the Rhinoceros had not yet losthis buttons!) and stories from his timeless classic, The Jungle Book.

Customer Reviews:

sound problems.......2007-10-03

The sound on the CD was so low, it was hard to hear even if you push the volume up to the limit

The Inimitable Uncle Boris.......2007-09-19

Kipling is not my favorite author; his "Just So Stories," not my favorite from among his works. What puts this item over is the inimitable voice of William Henry Pratt, better known as Boris Karloff. One listens to this classic recording and wishes that Karloff had been unleashed before a microphone with Shakespeare, Dickens, English Romantic poetry, or even BBC weather forecasts. We embrace what we have, however, and Karloff's reading of Kipling's fey fables is pure gold. When producing his classic version of Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" animator Chuck Jones had in mind only one narrator. These were the recordings that convinced Jones there could be no voice other than that of Boris Karloff. There wasn't, and still isn't.

Poor sound quality.......2007-01-04

We like to listen to audiobooks in the car. The sound quality on this was very uneven, making car listening extremely difficult and unpleasant. Can I return it?

Many stories missing!.......2006-12-01

Missing are The Cat that Walked Alone, The Butterfly that Stomped, How the First Letter Was Written, and Mowgli's Brothers.

What's on the cd are the 7 stories: How the Whale Got His Throat, How the Camel Got His Hump, How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin, The Elephant's Child, The Sing-Song of Old Man Kangaroo, The Beginning of the Armadillos, How the Leopard Got His Spots.

I don't have the sound problems described in other reviews; the sound is indeed a bit low, but not low enough for me to complain about.

Great CD. Sound is no problem........2006-08-22

This is the definitive reading of some of the best, wittiest children's stories ever. Kipling delights in playing with language and Karloff highlights the author's literary gifts. The sound is nowhere near as bad as other reviewers have suggested. On an ordinary stereo, the volume simply needs to be turned up a couple of notches. Another thing: this is Edwardian literature, so the elephant's child is spanked - a lot. While some parents might not wish their children to be exposed to this, it is worth noting that the spanking is portrayed (with some irony)as being both ineffective and a knee-jerk response by ignorant adults to natural curiosity in children.

LIFE IS JUST WHAT YOU MAKE IT: MY STORY SO FAR

Average customer rating:

A book that is impossible to put down
Too Many Words Too LIttle Honesty
Best Autobiography ever
Very Spiritual, inspiring.
Not an Osmond fan but loved the book

LIFE IS JUST WHAT YOU MAKE IT: MY STORY SO FAR
Donny Osmond , and Patricia Romanowski
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Entertainers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Television Performers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1401308619

Book Description

For the first time in trade paperback, entertainer, singer, and pop culture icon Donny Osmond returns to bring his life story up-to-dateDonny Osmond has been a superstar since the age of six -- one of the few child stars whose popularity has endured for four decades. He's been a teen idol, a Broadway actor, and a talk show host, and to this day is still touring to sold-out crowds. This new edition of his acclaimed memoir fills in the gaps for his millions of fans, with three new chapters providing more fun, more revelations, more faith, more love, and more laughter.

Customer Reviews:

A book that is impossible to put down.......2007-05-31

I read it in 3 days. Just a great book (I don't think I would make it as a professional reviewer)!

Too Many Words Too LIttle Honesty.......2006-11-20

I love biographies and I loved the Donny and Marie show as a kid. I thought I would really like this book, but it was very poorly written. It is amazing to me the Donny Osmond had the help of a professional.

Donny spent so much of the book defending the actions of his obviously controlling father, a situation so common when children become entertainers. The book did not come across as real. He spent too much time trying to spare everyone's feelings. He spent too much time talking about how great his family was when they very clearly weren't.

There didn't need to be dirt, but it seems the author still has not come to terms with his family situation while growing up. I hope he writes a more honest book some day when he is older.

Best Autobiography ever.......2004-02-10

As much as I followed the Osmond Family careers, I read this hoping to find all the rumors to be false. It opened my eyes to how it really was for him in the limelight.
Glad to have the MAN back......the little boy grew up.

Very Spiritual, inspiring........2002-01-14

You do not need to be a Donny Osmond fan, or an Osmond fan for that matter to appreciate the message in this book.
Read this book, and learn about the Osmond's strength in their spiritual beliefs; learn about Donny's severe social anxiety dissorder, and how he copes with it.

I strongly recomend this book!!

Not an Osmond fan but loved the book.......2001-09-08

...While I will probably never be a fan of the music I really enjoyed the book. I think there are some important lessons here regarding raising children in the entertainment industry. Lesson #1 - Don't do it! Frankly I am a bit surprised that he did not end up another casualty of child celebrity or head into dark places like his friend Michael Jackson. I was most impressed with Osmond's honesty and candor. His handling of his devastating career collapse as well as his social phobia really make for good reading. Somehow I suspect we haven't seen the end of Donny Osmond. Even if you run screaming whenever "Puppy Soldier of Love" comes on you may still enjoy the book. I certainly did.

Average customer rating:

Just So Stories
Rudyard Kipling
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0613639545

The Crab That Played With the Sea (Just So Stories)

Average customer rating:

The Crab That Played With the Sea (Just So Stories)
Rudyard Kipling
Manufacturer: Peter Bedrick Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

The Cay

ASIN: 0911745068

Average customer rating:

New Illustrated Just So Stories
Rudyard Kipling
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Just Like Life, Only More So and Other Stories of Illness

Average customer rating:

Just Like Life, Only More So: Comments on the author's journey
A valuable read for anyone who wants to understand more about disability.
Just Like Life...Dana Snyder-Grant
What a find

Just Like Life, Only More So and Other Stories of Illness
Dana Snyder-Grant
Manufacturer: Booklocker.com, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Family Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Personal Transformation | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1591139732

Book Description

Living with illness is about living with vulnerability. It is just like life, only more so. In this series of personal essays, Dana Snyder-Grant shows how to face illness and other life challenges with hope, humor, and wisdom.

Customer Reviews:

Just Like Life, Only More So: Comments on the author's journey.......2007-02-24

It has been my pleasure to know the author, Dana Snyder-Grant as a professional colleague and to have followed her through her professional and personal journey. Her book reflects the honesty and humility and optimistic view of life that I have always seen and experienced with Ms. Snyder-Grant. She has allowed us into her everyday world with its subsequents ups and downs and has reinforced the simple truths of life--the importance of supportive and accepting friends and loved ones and the ability to take life one day at a time and stay in the moment. This book should serve as an inspiration for anyone who struggles with chronic illness and those who care for and about them.

A valuable read for anyone who wants to understand more about disability........2007-01-10

This is a fine book with presents an intriguing insight into the traumas and everyday of being disabled. I understand more about MS now and about what it is like to live with disability. The book really works. I was drawn into the consistency of theme which defines each group of chapters, and sometimes into the chronology of each section. The themes of the first 5 sections are especially compelling; I was drawn in with a desire to know more. That is not to say that the last 2 sections are not good, they are just lighter and more about the everyday.

A valuable read.

Just Like Life...Dana Snyder-Grant.......2007-01-06

Dana Snyder Grant has written a very engaging and impressive collection of personal essays and reflections on living life fully and well with M.S. She is a mental health professional who is dedicated to working with medically ill and physically challenged adults to help them achieve the optimal adaptation to their particular challenges. She shines through as a person with wonderful integrity, empathy and attunement as well as with a robust sense of humor and perspective. This book will "speak" to M.S. patients, their families and friends. I enthusiastically recommend Just Like Life... Stan Berman, Ph.D.

What a find.......2006-07-23

This has to be one of the most heartwarming books I have read in years. It's well written. It's thoughtful. It makes you smile. It makes you laugh and it makes you think about your own life. I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this book.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books