A Collection of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling, Various (Illustrator), Christopher Corr (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

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

Publishers Weekly

Well-known animal tales get a fresh look from eight contemporary artists in A Collection of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Peter Sis, Satoshi Kitamura and Jane Ray number among the artists, illustrating "How the Whale Got His Throat," "How the Camel Got His Hump" and "How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin." The illustrators' individual styles lend each story a distinct feeling. Fans of Kipling's work will appreciate the new look and newcomers to the classic stories will be taken in by the bold artwork and approachable trim size. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Trina Heidt - Children's Literature

Always fun to read aloud, Rudyard Kipling's stories retain their appeal. This collection focuses on new artistic interpretations of eight of Kipling's stories. In "How the Whale Got His Throat" Peter Sis uses a navigational motif that is simple and effective. Clare Melinsky's Indian inspired artwork for "How the Camel Got His Hump" is colorful and lively. Vibrant tropical colors used by Christopher Corr capture the flamboyant and cunning characteristics of the Parsee in "How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin." Cathi Felstead's collage plays with shadow and light in "How the Leopard Got His Spots." Louise Voce has captured the playfulness of the creatures in "The Elephant's Child." Jeff Fisher's bright colors and earth tones combine to create an Australian outback backdrop for "The Sing-Song of Old Man Kangaroo." Tranquil blues, greens and browns create the perfect atmosphere for the tortoise and the hedgehog in the transformation story of "The Beginning of the Armadillos." In "The Cat That Walked by Himself," Satoshi Kitamura uses earthy tones in an interesting mix of sophistication and simplicity. The variety of the art work makes this book a delightful feast for the eyes with a modern twist. It is sure to be loved by children and adults alike. 2004, Candlewick Press, Ages 6 to 12.

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